THE SEARCH FOR a new Garda Commissioner has begun.

Minister for Justice and Equality Frances Fitzgerald confirmed today that the open recruitment process to fill the post has commenced.

Noirín O’Sullivan has been acting commissioner since former commissioner Martin Callinan stepped down from the role in March in the wake of the controversy surrounding his handling of key issues within the Gardaí, including whistleblowing by members of the force.

A new commissioner is expected to be appointed by the end of this year, according to Minister Fitzgerald today, and the net is being cast worldwide to locate a suitable appointee:

I am very pleased that the Public Appointments Service, which the Government has asked to independently manage the competition, is today starting that process by seeking proposals from executive search firms to conduct a global executive search campaign to supplement an advertised recruitment process.

“This is part of a wider process of reform and renewal relating to the Garda Síochána, which will also include the establishment of a police authority,” Fitzgerald added.

Read: These are the temporary, Tetris-like moves being made so the Gardaí can fill 28 senior roles… >

More: Martin who? Callinan isn’t mentioned in opening of annual garda report >

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