Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:
887. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Justice what additional funding her Department requires in 2024 to recruit 800 additional gardaí trainees next year; to confirm if her Department has funding in place for this in 2024, or if additional funding will be required in budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37033/23]
View answer
I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, and will contact him again when this is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 887 of 25 July 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice what additional funding her Department requires in 2024 to recruit 800 additional Gardaí trainees next year; to confirm if her Department has funding in place for this in 2024, or if additional funding will be required in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter.”
As you will recall, I had sought the information you requested from the Garda authorities, and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and the 2023 budget of over €2 billion will allow for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff with recruits entering Templemore every 11 weeks. Budget 2024 has provided funding for up to 800-1000 new Garda recruits next year. We have also increased the training allowance and provided a package of wellbeing supports.
As you will be aware, by law the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management of An Garda Síochána, including all matters relating to recruitment and training. As Minister I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised that the estimated 2024 payroll cost associated with the recruitment of 800 trainees in 2024 is in the region of €23.96 million and €29.96 million for 1,000 trainee Gardaí.
Year 1 sums include a basic training allowance for 33 weeks along with 19 weeks of post attestation salary, an estimation of certain fixed allowances and variable unsocial hours’ allowances, employer’s PRSI and an estimate of subsistence paid during the trainees’ deployment to an operational station. It is assumed that all recruits commence training on 1 January 2024.
The increased recruit allowance has been reflected in the estimated costs shown above. Currently there are no other pay increases agreed for 2024.
Other potential costs including the cost of equipment and accommodation are not included. It should also be noted that the estimated figures do not take account of potential overtime costs in excess of estimated briefing time payments or potential future pension costs.
Any funding for An Garda Síochána will be decided in consultation with my Department under the estimates process, as part of the normal budgetary procedures.
I trust this information is of assistance.
