Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1463. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost to the Exchequer of adding an additional 100 and 1,000 members of An Garda Síochána to the force in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43956/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general management and administration of the Garda organisation, 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 ensure their optimum use.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated cost of recruiting 100 Garda trainees in 2023 is in the region of €2.43 million, and in the region of €24.3 million for 1,000 trainees.
The calculation is based on €0.686m for the first 33 weeks for 100 recruits, and €6.86m for 1,000 recruits, whereby new recruits undergo training. During this time they receive basic allowances.
The remaining costs occur on completion of the 33 weeks training. At this time, upon attestation, Garda members move to the first point of the pay scale. An estimation of allowances that the members may qualify for, depending on their assignments and employer’s PRSI, is also included.
Fixed costs including the cost of equipment and accommodation are not included in the estimated figures.
I am advised that the calculations are an estimate only as it must take account of several unknown factors, including the location of any new Garda. The calculations are based on the assumption that recruits commence training on 1 January 2023. The calculations cover January to December 2023, which includes the period of training and subsequently the first 19 weeks of employment.
In line with the 2022 Garda Trainee Recruitment competition, the training assignment will be for a period of 33 weeks or for such longer or shorter periods as the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána may determine. Training availability is determined by a number of factors including Garda College resources and capacity. This estimate does not take potential such resource or capacity limitations into consideration.
The annual payroll costs of these additional recruits would continue to increase as the members move up the Garda pay scale each year.
