THE MINISTER for Justice Charlie Flanagan has suggested Ireland's search for a new Garda Commissioner could go international.
The Minister made the comments to Morning Ireland yesterday, September 11, following the retirement of Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan from the service.
Ms O'Sullivan announced her retirement on Sunday, September 10, after 36 years service to An Garda Síochána.
Asked whether the new Garda Commissioner could be an appointment from outside the Irish State, Minister Flanagan said every consideration will be given to the appointment of somebody who can see through 'reform' throughout the force.
"These are issues that will be decided by the Policing Authority, an independent authority with who the Dáil has vested powers.
"I think it's fair to say that every consideration will be given to all aspects of recruitment, how best we can ensure that we have somebody in a leadership position such as Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to ensure the programme of reform can be seen through in a way that brings out the best in An Garda Síochána.
"We have a very fine Garda service here in Ireland.
"People who protect lives and property on a daily basis, and it's important we have the reform process underway, in a way that brings everyone with us."
He later told media in Dublin that in appointing a new Commissioner, that the State 'broaden the base, and look at the labour market.'
“I believe it is an opportunity, on the appointment of a new Commissioner, that perhaps we broaden the base, that we have a look at the labour market and that we ultimately lead to the appointment of an expert and somebody who is best placed in order to complete the root and branch programme of modernisation and change."
Minister Flanagan also said that the appointment of a new Commissioner could take a number of months.
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