Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
110. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the projected cost of every twenty five additional community gardaí; the cost of an additional two dedicated community sergeants; the estimated cost of a 25% increase overall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15573/24]
View answerThe Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities and a strengthened, well-resourced Garda Síochána is central to this policy. The Garda Budget is now at its highest ever level. The unprecedented allocation of over €2.3 billion to An Garda Síochána for 2024 will allow for sustained recruitment of between 800 to 1,000 new Garda recruits in 2024.
Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled across the country and is fully commenced in thirteen Garda divisions.
The new model will provide more front-line Gardaí, increased Garda visibility, and a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within division into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent focus on community policing in all divisions.
The Garda authorities have advised that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person 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. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
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 by the Garda authorities that the estimated annual payroll cost of twenty-five additional Community Gardaí is approximately €1.62m.
I am further advised that the estimated annual payroll cost of two additional Community Sergeants is approximately €153,000.
I am informed that the estimated annual payroll cost of a 25% overall increase based on the headcount at 29 February 2024 headcount is approximately €11.24m.
I am advised 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. Allowances for unsocial hours and any potential overtime payments in excess of standard briefing time are not included. Future pension costs are not included.
