Pay increases for Garda recruits will help build stronger, safer communities – Farrell

The provision in Budget 2024 for increased pay for trainee Gardaí will attract more people to join An Garda Siochána, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Alan Farrell, Fine Gael spokesperson on Justice, said that ensuring increased recruitment into the Gardaí was a key priority in the budget.

“Fine Gael and Minister for Justice Helen McEntee have reaffirmed our commitment to building stronger safer communities across Ireland in Budget 2024.

“This budget has seen significant investment in our Gardaí, and the Garda budget in 2024 is €430 million larger than when Minister McEntee took office in 2020.

“Trainee Gardaí will benefit from an increase in the training allowance of €121, bringing the new allowance to €305. I have repeatedly called for this and am delighted to see such a significant investment in the future of our officers.

“Garda overtime support will also rise 25%, with an additional €25 million being provided under Budget 2024. This will have a direct effect in the Gardaí’s efforts to conduct operations to tackle anti-social behaviour in our towns and cities, something I know has caused concern for many citizens.

“Recent events have served as a reminder of the importance of our Gardaí and the vital role they play in keeping communities safe across Ireland. Improving wages for trainee Gardaí is vital to safeguard the future of the force, “Deputy Farrell stated.

“Other provisions have been included that will benefit the overall functioning of the Gardaí. They include:

• €6m provided for wellbeing initiatives for our Gardaí, medical costs and over 2,500 units of body armour.
• Providing funding for CCTV, bodycams, body armour, mountain bikes and public order equipment
• Funding to provide for the first Garda Reserve recruitment campaign since 2017

“Fine Gael has also been committed to combatting violence against women as was outlined in our manifesto. This commitment has been reinforced by a €12 million increase in funding to tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and the establishment of a new agency next year.

“There is also a €9m increase to fees for criminal legal aid by 10% in 2024 to make progress in restoring criminal legal aid fees.

“Minister McEntee and Fine Gael are committed to ensuring stronger, safer communities and these moves will ensure more men and women join the proud ranks of An Garda Siochána.

“Fine Gael is the party of law and order, and safe communities is a key value of our party. Today’s Budget reiterates our commitment to keeping our communities secure, now and into the future.

“Under Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, we are building stronger safer communities, ensuring the best start for every child and delivering for rural Ireland and farmers,” Deputy Farrell concluded.