126. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach the estimated cost of establishing a research unit at the CSO consisting of four statisticians based on starting point salary of statistician. [46579/26]

Circular 22/2026 from the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure and Public Service Reform and Digitalisation sets out the adjustments to civil service pay in accordance with the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, due on 1st June 2026. Circular 22/2026 provides the salary scales of all grades and CSO staff are paid in accordance with that circular.

The revised pay scale with effect from 1 June 2026 for Statisticians appointed on or after 6th April 1995 that are paying the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and making an employee contribution in respect of personal superannuation benefits (PPC) for General Service Grades is as follows.

STATISTICIAN PAYSCALE AS AT 1 JUNE 2026

The estimated cost of a statistician based on starting point salary of a statistician in CSO on 1st June 2026, inclusive of employer PRSI costs, was €46,192 putting the annual cost of establishing a new unit of four statisticians based on starting point salary of statistician at €184,768.