Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
463. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the estimated full-year cost of providing one additional detective inspector, one additional detective sergeant and two extra detective gardaí to each divisional protective service unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30671/23]
View answerUnder the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including for the recruitment, training and deployment of Garda members. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review. I am advised that this is considered in the context of crime trends and policing priorities, to ensure the optimum use of these resources.
As the Deputy will be aware, the nationwide rollout of Divisional Protective Service Units (DPSUs) - an action under both the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and ‘Supporting a Victim's Journey’ - has been completed, meaning there is now a DPSU in operation in each of the 28 Garda Divisions across the country.
This action was taken in order to ensure that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with a consistently high standard of specialist, sensitive, professional and expert assistance.
I have been advised by the Commissioner that the estimated annual payroll cost of one detective inspector, one detective sergeant and two detective Gardaí is approximately €295,000.
This includes the estimated cost of salary, fixed allowances and employer’s PRSI and has been estimated using the midpoint of the current relevant Garda salary scales.
I am further advised that there may be additional costs for unsocial hours and any potential overtime paymentsare not included.
Future pension costs and non-pay related costs are not included in the estimated figures.
