Andrew Carey
AS THE recruitment process for a new wave of members to An Garda Siochana, calls have been made for a chairperson designate of the proposed new Independent Garda Authority should be appointed to oversee the recruitment process.
Fianna Fáil Justice spokesperson Niall Collins TD said that, “one of the main functions and tasks of a truly independent Garda Authority will be its ability to recruit and appoint its own Chief Executive Officer and Garda Commissioner (Chief of Police).
“Having a new Garda Commissioner in place prior to the establishment of the Independent Garda board will compromise the true independence and accountability of such a new Authority. Given the proposed timescale of establishing the new Authority it would be prudent for the Government to now appoint a chairperson designate of this new Authority to oversee this important leadership role.
“This move would comply with international best practice in these circumstances and would serve to reinforce the independence of the new Authority.”
Earlier this month, it was announced that international executive recruitment companies are being asked to prepare proposals on how they would search for suitable candidates internationally to fill the garda commissioner’s post on a permanent basis.
The process of appointing a successor to former commissioner Martin Callinan, who retired in March, is being run by the public appointments service. It is the first time the position has been advertised outside the Garda force.
