It has not been possible to finalise this reply in the time available. I will provide the information sought by the Deputy as soon as possible.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
As the Deputy will appreciate the Garda Commissioner is responsible for managing and controlling generally the administration and business of An Garda Síochána, including matters relating to Garda personnel policy and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.
I am advised by the Commissioner that, under the Garda Code, members of An Garda Síochána who, on appointment to An Garda Síochána, hold any of the qualifications listed below may, after completion of two years service, apply for additional increments as follows:
(i) One additional increment in respect of at least one Grade ‘B’ and two Grade ‘C’ in three subjects (which must include Mathematics and English or Irish) at Honours level in the established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme; or
(ii) Three additional increments in respect of a Diploma or Degree from a third level educational institution. The Degree or Diploma must be full time, of two or four years duration, and be awarded by a third level institution recognised by the HETAC, or a recognised Irish statutory authority.
These increments are payable in addition to the increments for which the member might qualify under paragraph (i) above.
The Code makes no provision for payment of additional increments to serving members who complete Diploma or Degree level courses following their appointment to An Garda Síochána.
I am further informed that where the applicant completed a full time Degree/Diploma over five years due to for example taking a year off, repeating exams, etc, the member would still qualify under the code.
Each application is, I understand, considered on its own merits and is processed in accordance with the Garda Code.
