Andrew Carey
NOIRIN O’Sullivan, who has been appointed as the new Garda Commissioner, says that she is going to work with all the stakeholders to transform the force into a “21st century police service”
The highest ranking position in the force that Ms O’Sullivan takes up after and being appointed as an interim acting commissioner was vacated filleting the retirement of Martin Callinan earlier this year.
Speaking in this Tuesday, Limerick’s most senior Garda Chief Superintendent Dave Sheahan said that he and the entire Limerick Division “collectively congratulate the new commissioner on her appointment and we look forward to working with her to deliver continued and improved effective policing in our communities”.
Following her appointment, Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan said that “This is a very proud moment for me and my family.
“It is a great honour to be appointed Commissioner of An Garda SIochana, which has such a proud tradition of protecting people, communities and the State.
“I am fully confident the men and women of An Garda Siochana will build on the best elements of that tradition and take forward the reforms and changes that will strengthen the trust and confidence in the service we provide among the communities we serve.
“As Garda Commissioner, my focus will be on ensuring we continue to work closely with communities to keep them safe by preventing crime from taking place. But when crime does takes place, as it does in all societies, we will put the victims of crime at the centre of everything we do and ensure crimes are investigated thoroughly and professionally.
“I look forward to working with the community, the Policing Authority, the Department of Justice and other stakeholders, to transform An Garda Siochana into a 21st century police service.”
Also welcoming the appointment, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Justice, Deputy Niall Collins said that: “Noirin O’Sullivan took on the role of acting Garda Commissioner in March at a very difficult time for the force and has put in a solid performance since then. In taking up the permanent role of Commissioner she faces the substantial challenge of delivering on the reforms needed throughout our policing structures.
“An Garda Síochána is going through a reform process which will involve many structural changes but I also feel it is extremely important that the needs of frontline policing not be forgotten in that process. The Government needs to ensure that the proper resources are made available to allow gardaí to police our communities effectively.
“There is an historic opportunity to create a world class policing service in Ireland which not only serves and protects the public but is held up as an international example of best practice, transparency and accountability in years to come,” added Deputy Collins.
