New increase to training allowance to boost Garda recruitment – McEntee

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee T.D. today (Wednesday) announced that she would increase the level of the Garda training allowance as part of a number of actions she is taking to boost Garda recruitment.

At the Fine Gael Think In at the Tullamore Court Hotel, the Minister said that the increase would be in line with increases provided for in the Public Service Agreement 2024 – 2026 and would come into effect on 1^st October.

Making the announcement, Minister McEntee said:

“Budget 2024 provided the highest ever allocation to An Garda Síochána – over €2.35 billion, a 25% increase since 2020. This funding allows for the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff, as well as investment in vehicles, equipment, and facilities for the organisation. Investing in An Garda Síochána and garda recruitment is essential to protecting the security of the state, tackling crime, and keeping us all safe.

“Today I am announcing a further increase in the Garda training allowance from €305 to €354. This will build on the previous increase (from €184 to €305) and represents an almost doubling of the allowance in the last 12 months.

“This is one of a number of actions I am taking to support Garda recruitment and retention.  Other actions have included increasing the age of entry into An Garda Síochána from 35 to 50, increasing the retirement age and commencing a new Garda reserve competition.

“I have consistently said that no action is off the table when it comes to supporting Garda recruitment. I have established a Garda Recruitment Training Capacity Group to make recommendations on additional actions to increase recruitment, and that will report to me shortly”