Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

No, a person with no policing experience will not be appointed, or recommended by me rather, for the position of Garda Commissioner. It is also important to emphasise that we have a lot of excellent candidates within An Garda Síochána who should be putting their names forward for the position of Garda Commissioner. As it such a prestigious job at such a well-resourced and high-reputation entity within the world, I have no doubt that people from outside this country will be putting their names forward.

I want to see an active and strong competition. It is a really important role. We need an inspirational leader and somebody who recognises the important role that An Garda Síochána plays within our society. I know there were issues of some concern in respect of the standard fund threshold to persons who are within An Garda Síochána, but when you look at the package that is available, I am fairly satisfied and have a strong expectation that the full recommendations of Dr. Donal de Buitléir will be implemented by Government in due course.

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