266. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Justice the cost of recruiting 1,200 new Gardaí annually, notwithstanding the capacity constraints of the current Garda Training College. [43779/24]

The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities, and strengthening An Garda Síochána is at the core of that. We will continue to provide An Garda Síochána with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe, including to invest in recruitment, in equipment and technology and in buildings. This is reflected in the unprecedented allocation of over €2.48 billion to An Garda Síochána, in Budget 2025, a 27% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff, under section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended). As Minister, I have no direct role in the Garda recruitment process.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the estimated 2025 payroll cost associated with the recruitment of 1,200 trainees in 2025 would be in the region of €12.2 million.

For this calculation, it is assumed that the 1,200 trainees are recruited in four tranches spread throughout the year and that the first intake of recruits will be scheduled to attest as Gardaí before the end of 2025.

The estimate includes a basic training allowance and certain fixed allowances payable for the 35 week training period. When attested, Garda move to point 1 of the Garda pay scale. An estimation of certain fixed allowances, variable unsocial hours allowances and employer’s PRSI is calculated for the recruits that commence training in 2025 and are due to attest by the end of 2025.

Pay increases scheduled for 2025 are taken into consideration for newly attested Garda.

Other potential costs including the cost of equipment, subsistence and accommodation are not included. It is assumed that the Garda College has the capacity for this level of trainees. It should also be noted that the estimated figures do not take account of potential overtime costs in excess of estimated briefing time payments or potential future pension costs.