The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, TD, has announced appointments to the senior roles created under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 commencing landmark reform of An Garda Síochána and its oversight bodies.
At its meeting today (Tuesday), the Government designated for appointment the first Chair and members of the new Policing and Community Safety Authority, which amalgamates the current Policing Authority and Garda Inspectorate. The Government also nominated the first Independent Examiner of Security Legislation and noted the nominations to the newly created Garda Board.
Speaking after Cabinet today, Minister McEntee said:
“I am very grateful to all the nominees for their willingness to serve in these important roles. They will bring their extensive experience to this cohesive new framework of governance and oversight for An Garda Síochána as recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
“Dr. Elaine Byrne has been designated as the incoming Chair of the Policing and Community Safety Authority. Dr. Byrne is a practising barrister who currently chairs the Policing Authority and will bring continuity of leadership in the newly amalgamated organisation. The members of the PCSA will be Joe Costello; Michael Feehan; Nessa Lynch; Martina Maloney; Freda McKittrick; Tony O’Brien; Ken O’Leary and Emma Reidy.
“I also informed Government colleagues today that Dr. Donal de Buitléir will be designated as Chair of the first Bord an Gharda Síochána. Dr. de Buitléir brings a wealth of experience from the public and private sectors. He has served on the Policing Authority since 2021 and was formerly the Chairman of the Low Pay Commission and a Board member of the HSE. He is eminently well qualified to lead this new Board to enhance and strengthen the internal governance of An Garda Síochána.
“I am also designating for appointment as members of the Board: Catherine Corbett; Helen Faughnan; Anthony Harbinson; Claire Loftus; Sinead McSweeney; Jack Nolan; Michael Patten and Suzanne Treacy. The Board will, through the expertise and external perspective of its members, provide practical support along with robust, constructive challenge to the Garda senior leadership team. It will also strengthen decision making and planning and support the organisation in becoming more agile and adaptive.
“I am pleased to announce that Government has decided to designate Mr. Justice George Birmingham for appointment as the first Independent Examiner of Security Legislation. Judge Birmingham brings a wealth of experience to this important new national security role, having recently retired as President of the Court of Appeal and also served as a judge of the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
“These appointments now complete all the office holders, senior leaders, Board and Authority members required to operationalise the new and reformed policing bodies under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 and establish the office of the Independent Examiner of Security Legislation. It is a significant milestone in ensuring we are ready to commence the Act, which I intend to do by way of Order on 16 December.
“I am pleased to see such dedicated and high calibre of individuals being appointed to these key roles and I wish them well as they take up their posts.”
The Board and Authority members were selected through the state boards process run by Public Jobs. As set out in the 2024 Act, to be eligible for appointment as the Independent Examiner, a person must be a serving or retired judge of the High Court, Court of Appeal or Supreme Court. Minister McEntee asked the Attorney General to consult with the Chief Justice to identify a suitable nominee. Mr. Justice Birmingham was identified from this process and is being appointed by Government for a term of 5 years.
The 2024 Act allows the Government and the Minister, as appropriate, to designate persons for appointment to these roles in advance of the commencement of the Act and the establishment of the relevant bodies. This is being done to enable them to assist and contribute in the necessary preparatory work to establish the bodies. They will stand appointed in their roles on the day the Act is commenced on 16 December.