Nóirin O’Sullivan has been appointed Garda Commissioner.
Her appointment was formally ratified 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 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 March 2014.
Announcing her appointment Justice minister Frances Fitzgerald said “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.
The Minister congratulated Ms. O’Sullivan on her appointment, stating: “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.
