Martin Kenny
Ceist:
710. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the estimated cost of providing two crime prevention officers per annum, including all associated costs such as administrative and technological support. [34050/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
I have contacted the Garda authorities for the information requested by the Deputy, however this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once this information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 710 of 28 June 2022 where you asked:
‘the estimated cost of providing two crime prevention officers per annum, including all associated costs such as administrative and technological support.’
As you will recall, I sought the information you requested and undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff. Furthermore, under the provisions of the Act, the Commissioner is also the Accounting Officer for the Garda Vote, and the distribution of funds to operational units from the Vote is a matter for the Commissioner.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the estimated payroll cost of providing two crime prevention officers is approximately €146,000 per annum.
Salary costs are calculated using the midpoint of the current Garda Sergeant salary 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.
The initial costs of providing basic technological support to two crime prevention officers is currently approximately €4,400. Annual licensing charges for the associated equipment is currently approximately €2,400 for two crime prevention officers.
I am informed that there is no cost breakdown available for specific administrative support costs for crime prevention officers.
I am also informed that, generally, crime prevention officers may require support material when engaging with groups and members of the public such as leaflets/reading material and merchandise with regard to ongoing campaigns or community engagement, for example Bloom, the National Ploughing Championships and various days of action. The costs for such material is not included. Crime prevention officers also receive data analysis support from the Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS), with the level of input varying on a case by case basis, and such costs are also not included above.
