Garda pay recommendation costs
Deputy Calleary asked about funding for the Garda Labour Court recommendation and whether extra recruitment plans would proceed. The Tánaiste said the financial implications would be discussed with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and across Government.
This morning, the Tánaiste confirmed in response to a parliamentary question from me that the projected cost of the Labour Court recommendation in regard to An Garda Síochána, on a full year basis, is €50 million but there is no provision for this within her Department's budget for 2017.
Does the Tánaiste intend introducing a Revised Estimate for the Department for 2017 and can she confirm that she intends to proceed with the recruitment of 800 extra gardaí and 500 extra civilian staff for An Garda Síochána next year?
Comment on this
There is a ballot under way or one will take place shortly. We do not know the precise timeframe. If the Labour Court recommendation is accepted by the GRA, it will have the financial implications the Deputy has outlined. That is a matter which the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and I will discuss. It will be a whole-of-Government discussion as well because we have to ensure that we stay within the constraints of the Lansdowne Road agreement and ensure that the priorities outlined in the budget are met.