Catherine Murphy
Question:1120. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number of fully sworn gardaí from 14,535 to 16,000 between now and the end of 2022. [30750/21]
View answerTuesday, 15 June 2021
Questions (1120)
Written answers
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 1120 which was for answer on 15 June 2021, where you requested the estimated full-year cost of increasing the number of fully sworn Gardaí from 14,535 to 16,000 between now and the end of 2022. You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
By law, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including all human resource matters and recruitment. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters. I am assured however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to their optimum use.
As you will appreciate, the number of Garda members changes in line with recruitment and retirements. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated full year cost of increasing the number of sworn Garda by 1,465 (16,000 - 14,535) over the period to end 2022 is in the region of €86 million.
The above calculation is an estimate only as it must take account of several unknowns, including the exact number of retirees/leavers up to the end of 2022, which is uncertain, as is the actual date of recruitment of any new Garda members.
The above figures are annualised costs based on 1,465 newly attested Garda members paid at the first point of the current Garda pay scale. An estimation of allowances that the members may qualify for depending on their assignments, employer’s PRSI and basic non-pay costs (exc. cost of any additional accommodation) of the first year of employment are also included.
Please also note that the above costs are for newly attested Garda members only, the payroll costs associated with recruits spending 32 weeks training prior to attestation are not included in the above estimate.
I trust this information is of assistance.