Minister for Justice welcomes competition to appoint new Garda Commissioner

Kenneth Fox

The Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan welcomed the launch of a competition to appoint a new Garda Commissioner.

Minister O’Callaghan has tasked Public Jobs (the Public Appointments Service) to run an open competition to identify a suitable candidate for appointment as Garda Commissioner.

The deadline for applications is may 29th, 2025.

Minister O'Callaghan emphasised the importance of the competition and said: "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.

"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.’’

Minister O’Callaghan also expressed his gratitude to Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, who agreed to extend his term of office to facilitate the competition to appoint his successor.

The Minister consulted with the new Garda Board and the Policing and Community Safety Authority in developing the selection criteria and recruitment process for this competition.

The new Commissioner will be appointed to a five-year term or until the retirement age of 62. The Commissioner will lead a total workforce of nearly 18,000 people, comprising sworn Gardaí, Garda staff and Garda Reserves.

The Commissioner will be mandated to strengthen capacity and capability across the organisation, building on existing knowledge and expertise to ensure it is at the forefront of policing and state security globally, in line 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."