Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has asked the Policing Authority to cast the net wide in the search for a new Garda Commissioner.

The job is now open to international candidates and policing experience, while desirable, will not be an essential requirement. 

'Best candidate'

Minister Flanagan said that the overriding concern is that the best candidate is selected and this requires that the process attract the widest possible field from a broad range of backgrounds.

The head of the Policing Authority Kathleen O’Toole told the Irish Examiner that she is “very optimistic” that the next appointee will be “thoughtful and effective” and that the right person will be selected.

Currently Seattle’s chief police officer, Kathleen O’Toole had previously expressed concerns that the appointment process would be rushed but said she is now satisfied that a “much bigger pool” of applicants will apply.

Meanwhile Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan described the new appointment process as marking “a very significant change in the manner in which this important office will be filled.” He said the move demonstrates the government’s continuing commitment to deep reform across the justice sector.

Strategic reform

The new Garda Commissioner will be implementing a major strategic reform agenda to include improving governance and performance management, building managerial capacity and enhancing service delivery, he said.

The remuneration package for the new commissioner will be €250,000 a jump from the current €180,613.