Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2019
265. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the estimated cost in 2020 if the training and development budget for An Garda Síochána increased by 17%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47540/19]
View answerThe resources provided by Government to An Garda Síochána have reached unprecedented levels.A record €1.76 billion was allocated to the Garda Vote for 2019 and this is increasing further to a total of €1.882 billion for 2020. This level of funding will allow the Garda Commissioner to recruit up to 700 new Gardaí next year and additional Garda staff, the balance of which will be an operational matter for the Commissioner to decide.
It is important to note that under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including the training of its members and staff. The Commissioner and his management team are also responsible for the effective and efficient use of Garda resources.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the budget for training and development is now included under the Garda College subhead. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the budget for training and development in 2018 was €31.8 million. The budget for training and development for 2019, including all payroll costs, increased to €37.566 million. A 17% increase in this budget would therefore involve additional costs of €6,386,220.
