asked the Minister for Justice the number of Gardaí who are obliged to pay for accommodation in barrack quarters which they do not use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garda Barrack Accommodation.
44.
In the Dublin Metropolitan Area official accommodation is provided for 690 gardaí. There are 81 unoccupied quarters and, of their own wish, 45 unmarried gardaí live out.
In the Garda Depot, official accommodation is provided for 147 gardaí. There are 90 unoccupied quarters and, of his own wish, 1 unmarried garda lives out. Elsewhere throughout the country living-in accommodation is provided at many stations and, of their own wish, nine unmarried gardaí live out.
A nominal charge of £1 per week is made for official quarters provided for each unmarried garda.
Can the Minister say why they have to pay for accommodation they do not use?
For the reasons that (a) it is provided for them; and (b) this is set out in the Garda Síochána Pay and Allowances Order 1961, which was given effect to on a recommendation agreed by the Garda Síochána Conciliation Council on which the Garda Representative Body is represented.
Is it not the position that approximately 55 gardaí, with the permission of the authorities, live out? In those circumstances it would be reasonable to expect they would not have to pay for accommodation which they were not using?
If the accommodation is not acceptable, it is a different matter; they will not pay for it.
If they have the permission of the authorities?
This is a matter which they can take up with their representative council. It was accepted in an agreed order made by their conciliation council on which their own body is represented.
Could the Minister say how it is costing the Department of Justice £1 a week when this accommodation is not being used?
The accommodation was costing a great deal more than £1 per week. It is only a nominal charge.