Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1137. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice the projected cost of every twenty additional community gardaí; the estimated cost of every additional dedicated community sergeant; and the estimated cost of a 20% increase overall. [38034/23]
View answerAs you will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in these independent, operational functions.
I am assured that the Garda Commissioner keeps the allocation of resources under continued review to ensure their optimum use. This takes into account factors including crime trends, operational strategies and local population figures.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that a member of An Garda Síochána is deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that member is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality of life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement.
I am also advised that in some rural areas existing personnel will form CPTs. They will have dual functions as first responders and community policing members. Additionally, CPTs will be augmented by Community Support Gardaí who will perform frontline duties and will be assigned a particular Community Policing Area to support dedicated Community Gardaí.
I understand that each Division will have a number of CPTs assigned to it, consisting of an Inspector, Sergeant and Community Policing Gardaí. CPTs will prioritise engagement with communities for the delivery of long-term sustainable solutions to community needs.
The below table, provided to me by Garda authorities shows the projected payroll cost of twenty additional community Gardaí, each additional dedicated community sergeant, and a 20% increase overall.
|
Estimated annual payroll cost of twenty additional community Gardaí |
€1.27m |
|
Estimated annual payroll cost of one additional community Sergeant |
€0.075m |
|
Estimated annual payroll cost of a 20% overall increase in 31 July 2023 headcount |
€8.41m |
It should be noted that salary costs are calculated using the midpoint of the current Garda Salary pay scale and include fixed allowances which the member is entitled to. An estimate of Employer’s PRSI is also included as part of the calculation. Allowances for unsocial hours and any potential overtime payments in excess of standard briefing time are not included. Future pension costs are also not included.
