The Government has nominated Emily Logan to be the new Police Ombudsman under legislation passed earlier this year.

She was nominated for the role following an open competition undertaken by the Public Appointments Service.

The Government approved the nomination last week and Logan’s appointment by the President will take place when the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 is commenced later this year.

Expanded remit

Logan, who was Ireland’s first Ombudsman for Children, is currently a commissioner of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).

Under the 2024 act, GSOC is to be reconstituted as Fiosrú – the Office of the Police Ombudsman.

The current three-commissioner model will be replaced by a Police Ombudsman, supported by a deputy ombudsman and a chief executive officer. The legislation expands the remit of Fiosrú, and overhauls its processes and procedures.

Transition

The Department of Justice says that, to ensure a seamless transition process, the President will also be asked to re-appoint Logan as a GSOC commissioner when her current term ends on 1 August.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee expects to make further announcements on appointments to key roles under the new policing legislation “in the coming weeks and months”.

She described Emily Logan as “eminently qualified” to perform the role of Police Ombudsman.