Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019
288. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number of juvenile liaison officers by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29353/19]
View answerThe resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels, with an allocation for 2019 of €1.76 billion. Very significant capital investment is also being made in Garda ICT, the Garda fleet and the Garda estate. In total, the Garda capital allocation has increased from €61 million to €92 million in 2019, which represents a 50% increase.
In accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005, as amended, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and Garda staff. The Commissioner is also responsible for the effective and efficient use of the resources available to An Garda Síochána.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated cost of increasing the number of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers by 25% is approximately €1,529,800 and that the estimated cost of increasing the number of Sergeant Juvenile Liaison Officers by 25% is approximately €138,450.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that this estimate has been calculated based on 104 existing Garda JLOs and 8 existing Sergeant JLOs, correct as at 31 May 2019; and that basic salary costs have been calculated using the midpoint of the Garda salary scale and including fixed allowances which the member is entitled to. An estimate of Employer's PRSI is also included. Allowances for unsocial hours and any potential overtime payments in excess of standard briefing time are not included. The impact of pay rises is not included in this estimate.
