Pay Garda recruits more – Farrell

Garda recruits should be paid more while in training, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Farrell, Fine Gael’s justice spokesperson in the Dáil, said every effort needs to be made to attract more people to join An Garda Siochána.

“With a full economy and jobs plentiful, recruiting for An Garda Siochána has proven difficult. We have to ensure there are better incentives,” Deputy Farrell said.

“For anyone undergoing training in a new career, it can be a challenging time financially.

“In order to incentivise more applicants to An Garda Siochána, I believe it is clear a change in how attractive the training package is, should be considered,” he said.

Garda recruits attest for 33 weeks in the training college in Templemore, Co Tipperary where they are paid €184 weekly before moving onto the first point of the incremental pay scale.

“I would urge my colleague Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe, who are well briefed on this issue, to increase the weekly training allowance significantly to reflect the cost of living. An increase can make a big difference in people’s lives while they undergo training for their new profession.

“Minister McEntee and Fine Gael are working to ensure stronger, safer communities and such a move would ensure more men and women join the proud ranks of An Garda Siochána.

“I would also urge the Minister to consider lifting the recruitment ban on those over 35, in order capture more potential recruits for An Garda Siochana,” Deputy Farrell said.

The Dublin Fingal TD added, “Garda Reserves should be deployed on a more regular basis across the country, to supplement the service provided by An Garda Siochána.”