Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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84. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the precise process that was followed in appointing the new Chair of the Independent Policing Authority; the reason this was not an open, competitive application process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45492/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Following an open process undertaken by the Public Appointments Service seeking expressions of interest, the Government has nominated Ms Josephine Feehily as the Chairperson-designate of the forthcoming Independent Policing Authority. Ms Feehily is a woman of unimpeachable integrity and unquestioned ability who will bring a wealth of experience and competences, including in the area of investigations, to her new position.

I believe that, in nominating Ms Feehily as the Chairperson-designate, the Government has selected a person of the highest calibre and I have no doubt that she will provide excellent as well as focused leadership in this role. As the Deputy will be aware, Ms Feehily has participated in the final rounds of the recruitment process for the new Garda Commissioner and she will also be actively involved in the preparations to be made for the establishment of the Authority.