Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
93. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the annual cost of restoring all previous allowances to members of An Garda Síochána; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11812/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that, following a review of all allowances in the public service during 2011 and 2012, the Government decided on 18 September 2012 that rent allowance for all new public servants including Gardaí should be abolished. The rent allowance costs €4,600 per officer per annum (inclusive of Employer's PRSI).
The Garda Commissioner, who is the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, has informed me that the annual cost to the Garda Vote of reinstating the rent allowance for all recently attested Garda members would amount to €1.8 million. Obviously, that cost would increase by €4,600 for every Garda attested into the future. It is expected that a further 300 trainees will attest by the end of this year.
As a result of the review a number of other allowances which were dependent on the performance of duties of a specific nature were abolished for new beneficiaries. I have requested the cost of restoring these allowances from the Garda Commissioner and I will write directly to the Deputy on receipt of a reply.
