Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have made it clear as regards the process that I would like it to be broadly based. I also made it clear that as far as the Government is concerned we are not ruling in or not ruling out anybody in the course of the selection process for the next Garda Commissioner. The selection of the next Commissioner is a job for the Policing Authority. I am sure the Deputy will agree that what is essential is that we can ensure the best possible candidate is appointed, whether he or she a candidate internally or externally from the international stage. The Government is supportive of the authority in that regard. I am in agreement with the Deputy when I say that simply to rush matters at this stage to have a person in the post would be mistake. I believe it is important that we allow the authority adequate time to complete its own preparatory work, including, as I said, the engagement with my Department and the Public Appointments Service which, as the Deputy has pointed out, is an important part of the process.

This will take a matter of weeks. I envisage that we will be in a position to trigger the formal process in a few weeks, but I do not believe this timeframe is unduly long by comparison with the time normally taken to fill top-level posts across the public service. I will be happy to keep the Deputy fully informed of the developments in that regard.

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