Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
561. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost if 1,000 additional gardaí were recruited in each of the years 2022 to 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37612/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including recruitment of new members. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the estimated payroll cost of recruiting 1,000 Garda in each of the years 2022 to 2024.
|
- |
2022 (1,000) |
2023 (2,000) |
2024 (3,000) |
|
|
€m |
€m |
€m |
|
2022 intake (1,000 trainees) |
23.98 |
48.58 |
51.62 |
|
2023 Intake (1,000 trainees) |
|
24.06 |
48.58 |
|
2024 Intake (1,000 trainees) |
|
|
24.06 |
|
Estimated Payroll Costs |
23.98 |
72.64 |
124.26 |
The above figures are based on a Garda recruit entering training for 32 weeks before been attested and includes:
- €6.65 million for the first 32 weeks each year where new recruits undergo training during which time they receive basic allowances.
- The remaining costs are paid on completion of the 32 weeks training. This includes Garda members moving to the first point of the pay scale when attested and an estimation of allowances that the members may qualify for depending on their assignments and employer’s PRSI. The workings assume that each member moves to Point 2 of the pay scale one year post attestation and point 3 of the pay scale two years post attestation.
Non-pay costs are not included in the estimated figures.
The calculation is an estimate only as it must take account of several unknowns, including the actual date of recruitment and locations of any new Garda.
The estimate covers the period of training and subsequent years of employment to the end of 2024.
The estimate is based on current work schedules and pay scales, with the impact of scheduled pay rises in October 2021 and October 2022 taken into consideration.
It is important to note that the annual payroll costs would continue to increase as the members move up the Garda pay scale each year.
It should also be noted that the estimated figures do not take account of potential overtime costs in excess of estimated briefing time payments.
