Deputy Garda Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon has delayed her retirement due to difficulties in filling her position, reports Independent.
Her role, which includes responsibility for all policing and national security operations, was expected to be filled by her planned retirement date of December 3. However, she has agreed to stay on until March or April.
The application deadline for the deputy commissioner role was extended from October 26 to November 9. This was due to concerns about the quality of applicants. It is believed that financial concerns related to pensions have deterred high-ranking gardaí from applying, reports Independent.
New tax regulations introduced a decade ago have resulted in officers having to pay large tax bills on their pensions after retirement. This, along with low morale within the force, is thought to be contributing to the lack of interest in the deputy commissioner post.
There are eight serving garda assistant commissioners and around 40 chief superintendents nationwide who are eligible to apply. Six of the assistant commissioners are career gardaí, while the remaining two are former members of the PSNI.
It is suggested that a number of high-ranking officers collectively decided not to apply as part of a pact. The deputy commissioner role, which carries a salary of around €190,000 a year, is often a stepping stone to becoming Garda Commissioner. The deputy also stands in for Garda Commissioner Drew Harris when he is on leave, reports Independent.
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