Pa Daly
Ceist:189. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice the approximate current cost of recruiting 800 Garda trainees. [33799/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 23 June 2021
Ceisteanna (189)
Freagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána, unfortunately I have not received this information in time. I will write to the Deputy as soon as the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question Number 189 which was for answer on 23 June 2021, where you requested the approximate current cost of recruiting 800 Garda trainees.
You will recall that the information could not be obtained in the time available and I undertook to consult with An Garda Síochána and contact you again when the information was available.
As you will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible under the law for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes recruitment and training of members. As Minister for Justice, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the estimated current cost of recruiting 800 Garda trainees is in the region of €52.3 million *.
The above figure of €52.3 million includes:
- €5.3 million for the first 32 weeks where new recruits undergo training during which time they receive basic allowances.
- €47 million for the first full year post attestation (i.e. on completion of the 32 weeks training). This includes Garda moving to the first point of the pay scale when attested and an estimation of allowances that the members may qualify for depending on their assignments, employer’s PRSI and basic non-pay costs (excluding the cost of any additional accommodation).
- Fixed Costs are not included in the estimated figures.
* The calculation is an estimate only as it must take account of several unknowns, including the actual date of recruitment and locations of any new Garda.
The estimate covers the period of training and subsequent first year of employment.
It is important to note that the annual payroll costs of these additional recruits would continue to increase as the members move up the Garda pay scale each year.
It should also be noted that the estimated figures do not take account of potential overtime costs.
I trust this information is of assistance.