Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has welcomed the official launch of the recruitment process for a new Garda Commissioner, reports Breaking News.
The Public Appointments Service, known as Public Jobs, has been tasked with conducting an open competition to find a suitable candidate for the role.
The closing date for applications is May 29th, 2025, reports Breaking News.
Minister O’Callaghan highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating: “An Garda Síochána has a very proud tradition of service to the public over the course of the last century.
“The new Garda Commissioner will lead the organisation at a time of ongoing growth, change and reform as the organisation starts to operate under the provisions of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act which implemented the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, reports Breaking News.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that An Garda Síochána has the resources it needs to fight crime. A strengthened, well-resourced Garda organisation is central to this policy. €2.48 billion for this year, a 27 per cent increase since 2020, which is supporting the continued recruitment of Garda members and staff. I expect to be in a position to make a recommendation to the Government in late July,” reports Breaking News.
The Minister also thanked Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who has extended his term to allow the appointment process for his replacement to proceed.
He consulted with both the newly established Garda Board and the Policing and Community Safety Authority to set the selection criteria and oversee the recruitment process, reports Breaking News.
Whoever is appointed will serve a five-year term or until they reach the retirement age of 62, and will lead a workforce of almost 18,000 people, including sworn Gardaí, civilian staff, and Garda Reserves.
The new Commissioner will be responsible for enhancing the organisation’s capacity and effectiveness, leveraging existing strengths to keep An Garda Síochána aligned with global best practices in policing and state security, consistent with its mission of “Keeping People Safe.”
Minister O’Callaghan highlighted the Government’s commitment to expanding the force: “The Programme for Government commits to providing funding to recruit and train 5,000 new Gardaí over the next five years. A key priority for me and for the Garda Commissioner is growing the size of An Garda Síochána so that we can get more Gardaí on the ground in our communities. The Government will continue to provide the organisation with the resources it needs to ensure communities around Ireland are safe and feel safe. To deliver a police service for our future, the leadership of the Garda Commissioner is vital. This is extremely challenging, wide-ranging and high-profile role for which we are seeking an exceptional candidate, an outstanding and inspirational leader and a person of utmost integrity,” reports Breaking News.
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