Call for State to build homes for gardaí struggling on €23k

The Government is being urged to build homes for gardaí and other essential workers who cannot afford soaring rents.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) claims newly qualified gardaí just out of Templemore will suffer more than most, as the Government has removed their annual rent allowance of €4,115.

Dermot O’Brien, president of the GRA which represents rank-and-file officers, said gardaí will be paid just €23,171 in their first year of service. Without the rent allowance, he said, they will find it very difficult to secure accommodation near to their station postings, especially in major cities.