Noirin osullivan appointed new garda commissioner

Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald has announced the appointment of Ms Nóirin O’Sullivan as Garda Commissioner. The decision was taken at today’s Cabinet meeting.

Ms O’Sullivan was the sole candidate recommended for appointment following an open selection process undertaken by a special high-level Selection Committee established by the Public Appointment Service.

The process included a global search and two rounds of interviews which involved both Irish and International candidates. The final round of interviews was held in recent days and involved Ms Josephine Feehily, Chair-designate of the proposed new Policing Authority.

Nóirin O’Sullivan has served as Acting Commissioner since taking over from former Commissioner Martin Callinana in March 2014.

Minister Fitzgerald said “the decision to hold an open selection process for the position of Garda Commissioner has been a key element of the Government’s Justice Reform Programme. I wish to thank the all those who applied and I wish to thank the Public Appointment Service for the professional and comprehensive approach they adopted in seeking out and recommending the best candidate for the job.”

“An Garda Síochána has faced many challenges in recent times. The focus must now be to ensure public confidence in policing in Ireland and to support the men and women An Garda Síochána in their day-to-day work of keeping our communities and country safe. This means delivering on a programme of reform, modernisation and investment with respect to organisation, processes and systems. The aim must be to craft a police service fit to meet the realities of 21st century crime and security.

Minister Fitzgerald congratulated Ms O’Sullivan on her appointment and said “I believe that Nóirin O’Sullivan, with her experience and proven leadership capacity, is exceptionally well placed to deliver on this programme of reform and modernisation,' adding,  “I wish the new Commissioner all the very best.”