Budget 2023: 1,000 New Gardaí To Be Recruited And An Increase To The Garda Overtime Budget

Tuesday, 27 September 2022 18:31

By Caoimhe Harney

Defence funding to include money for primary air radar.

National Security Funding in this year’s budget includes 1,000 new Gardaí, extra civilian garda staff and a major increase in the Defence budget to include primary radar.

In the Justice budget allocation, as announced by Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath there will also be a €5m increase in the Garda overtime spend bringing it to €100m.

The Government has said this is a key part of measures aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and other crime.

The Budget, announced this afternoon by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, includes funding for a range of measures in An Garda Síochána.

Some 1,000 new Gardaí will be recruited into Templemore next year to boost the force’s numbers, while 430 new garda civilian staff will be used to help free up frontline Gardaí for core policing duties.

200 recruits will enter Templemore every three months in the coming years.

It has also made provision for an increase in overtime to help Gardaí tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced plans to increase high visibilty releasing in certain areas, including Dublin city centre.

There is also a €9m increase, a 22% increase, to tackle domestic, sexual, gender-based violence and funds to support victims and implement the Zero Tolerance Plan.

Youth Justice funding has been increased by €2.5m to €24m to divert young people from crime.

An extra 400 permanent Defence Force members are to be recruited in 2023. The money is to include pay and allowance enhancements for the membership.

There will be a €35million euro increase in the capital allocation for the Defence Forces in part used to fund primary radar capabilities, an increase of €67m.