The Public Appointments Service has launched a competition to recruit a Chief Executive Officer designate for a new agency to be set up under legislation on the oversight of An Garda Síochána (AGS).

An tÚdarás Póilíneachta agus Sábháilteachta Pobail, or the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) will be established after the enactment of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023, which is currently before the Seanad.

The PCSA will consolidate the oversight functions of the existing Policing Authority and the expert inspection functions of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate into a new body.

The Department of Justice describes the competition as “a key step toward a more cohesive and effective framework” for the independent oversight of AGS.

‘Robust’ powers

The PCSA’s main role will be to review and assess the performance of AGS. It will have what the department describes as “robust” inspection powers – including the power to conduct unannounced visits of garda premises.

Under the legislation, the new agency will also continue to fulfil the public-awareness and engagement role of the current Policing Authority, through regular public meetings with the Garda Commissioner and his senior leadership team.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said that the launch of the CEO competition was “a significant milestone” in the large programme of preparation work being undertaken ahead of the enactment and commencement of the bill.

“This work is ongoing in parallel to the passage of the legislation through the Houses to ensure the various new bodies, structures and processes can be established as soon as possible following the enactment of the bill,” she added.