SONG AND DANCE OVER €1.8M COST OF GARDA BAND
Prison troupe bill only €2.5k
THE Garda Band cost taxpayers more than €1.8million last year, it was revealed yesterday.
It is comprised of 29 full-time musicians who have Garda ranks such as sergeant and inspector but are not involved in policing duties.
They earned an average of €60,000 and racked up travel and subsistence expenses of nearly €52,000.
The spending is likely to come under increased scrutiny after it emerged the band’s counterpart representing the Irish Prison Service cost just €2,500 to run this year.
IPS Pipe Band members are serving and retired jail staff, who play music on a voluntary basis during their time off and pay for travel and accommodation costs.
They received €2,500 of taxpayers’ money this year towards the cost of new drums. A uniform is also provided by the Prison Service.
Members perform at IPS events such as official openings and a range of external engagements including the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Mater Hospital.
The Garda Band provides music for official functions as well as playing at the Rose of Tralee, National Ploughing Championships and the Dublin St Patrick’s Day parade.
A total of €11,726 was also spent on the troupe’s communications and equipment while training, development and incidental expenses hit €5,540.
Station services and maintenance of the band’s premises in Phoenix Park cost €3,228.
Almost €80,000 was spent on clothing and accessories in 2016.
The Garda Band has cost taxpayers nearly €7.3million over four years, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Garda press office did not respond to a request for comment.
The IPS said its troupe is “mainly self-funding” and transport, hotel and other costs excepts uniform are “met from their own funds”.
It added: “The Irish Prison Service Pipe Band are excellent ambassadors for the service.”
In September, Garda chief Drew Harris said overtime and other forms of discretionary spending would have to be cut for the remainder of 2018 due to budgetary constraints.
The Garda Band was formed in 1922 before being axed in 1965. The decision was taken by then justice minister Brian Lenihan Snr, who said the costs were “excessive, and out of proportion to any purpose served”.
The band was reformed in 1972 to mark the force’s 50th anniversary.
Travel and hotel costs of Garda Band last year