Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
268. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he has provided full and comprehensive details in relation to all aspects of the remuneration package of a former Garda Commissioner (details supplied) and all costs to the Exchequer associated with providing accommodation for the former Garda Commissioner during their tenure.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70726/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can assure the Deputy that I have provided him with all the information available to me in relation to the former Commissioner's remuneration and benefits. In particular, I would refer the Deputy to my reply to oral parliamentary question 74 on this matter on 4 December that addressed the cost of accommodation that was provided to the former Commissioner and replies to parliamentary questions 707, 708, 712 and 713 on 9 December that addressed questions in relation to the pension contribution that was waived by the former Commissioner, and costs associated with the provision of security. However, in order to be of assistance to the Deputy, I have again set out the replies to these parliamentary questions in this reply.The former Commissioner was recruited on an annual salary of €250,000. In line with public service pay increases this salary increased to €317,657 during the Commissioners tenure. The former Commissioner had the option of joining the Single Public Service Pension Scheme or having a pension contribution equivalent to 18.4% of salary made to a pension scheme nominated by him. The former Commissioner chose not to avail of either option and waived his right to the pension entitlements available to him. The former Commissioner received no retirement gratuity on his retirement and is not in receipt of any pension in respect of his service as Commissioner. It may be noted that had the former Commissioner exercised the second option referred to above, the cost to the Exchequer over the seven years of his service is estimated at over €350,000.The former Commissioner was provided with a house in the Phoenix Park by the Office of Public Works, the rent for which was paid by An Garda Síochána in the sum of €1,800 per month. While personal tax details are confidential, I can confirm that the former Commissioner paid benefit-in-kind in respect of the accommodation provided. The published Appropriation Accounts for An Garda Síochána since 2022, when reporting requirements changed, show that the former Commissioner's remuneration and benefits included benefit-in-kind of approximately €22,000 each year, ie, the cost of the accommodation provided. The Appropriation Accounts note that the calculated value for the purpose of deducting tax was in accordance with Revenue requirements. The former Commissioner also received a Uniform Allowance of €890 per annum which is reflected in the Appropriations Accounts. Uniform allowances are payable to all members of An Garda Síochána. As I also outlined last week, the position of Garda Commissioner requires enhanced security for the officeholder due to the nature of his or her role as head of the State’s police and security service. Further to a security assessment, expenditure of €212,000 was incurred by An Garda Síochána in relation to the property occupied by the former Commissioner. As is standard, the detail of such security arrangements is not made public. An annual monitoring fee of €2,500 was also paid from the Garda budget in respect of these security arrangements. As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works is under the aegis of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and any questions in relation to expenditure by the OPW should be directed to him.
