The next deputy garda commissioner is to be appointed by open competition, irrespective of nationality.

The position has now been vacant for the past five years and Justice minister Charlie Flanagan has thrown open the selection process internationally.

Applicants from abroad and from outside An Garda Síochána can apply for the first time.

Strongest field

“This will ensure that the strongest field is assembled and that the successful candidate is tested against the best available candidates from Ireland and elsewhere,” the Justice minister said.

“An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority recommend, and I agree, that candidates should have experience of policing including at leadership level,” he said. 

The new appointee will assist the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in implementing a major strategic reform agenda, improving governance and performance management, building managerial capacity and enhancing service delivery.

Drew Harris last year became the first person from outside the State to be appointed Garda Commissioner.

The Policing Authority will now request the Public Appointments Service to begin selection competition for the job.

Vacancy

There is currently one vacancy at deputy commissioner level which has not been filled since the retirement of Donal Ó Cúaláin in September 2018.

The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) published its report in September 2018, outlining a clear vision and roadmap for strengthening policing, security and community safety.

<