Policing experience not essential for new Garda commissioner

Policing experience is not an essential requirement for the position of Garda Commissioner, the Government said on Tuesday as it commenced the selection process.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has asked the Policing Authority to commence the process for the selection and appointment of a new commissioner.

The Public Appointments Service will be tasked with conducting the process and the authority will carry out the interviews and make a nomination.

The competition will be an open competition with no restrictions as to the nationality of the candidate.

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Policing experience, while desirable will not be an essential requirement.

If the successful candidate is not an existing member of Garda Síochána, he or she will be required to make a solemn declaration under section 16 of the 2005 Act including to uphold the Constitution and the laws of the State.

The Government did not disclose the salary but The Irish Times understands it is in the region of €250,000.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice said: “In relation to the terms and conditions, the Minister said that the Policing Authority had provided advice in relation to the remuneration package that would be required to attract a candidate of the required calibre.

"The Government accepted that advice in principle and agreed that the Minister's Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform would finalise the package prior to the position being advertised in the New Year."