Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn
Responding to reports this evening that the Acting Garda Commissioner Noirín O’Sullivan has appointed two Acting Deputy Commissioners, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Padraig Mac Lochlainn has called on Minister Frances Fitzgerald to clarify if she had knowledge of the appointments.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said the appointments fly in the face of the Government’s commitment that no senior posts in An Garda Siochána would be appointed by the Government or senior gardaí but by the new Garda Authority which is set to be established in the coming months.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “These reported appointments are quite alarming given that the new garda authority, which will have responsibility for appointments of senior gardaí through the Public Appointments Service, is to be established in the coming months.
“These appointments fly in the face of the Government’s commitment that no senior posts in An Garda Siochána would be appointed by the Government or senior gardaí.
“Minister Fitzgerald should clarify if these appointments have actually been made, if she was consulted about them and, if she was consulted she should clarify whether or not she approved of them.
“All senior positions in An Garda Síochána should be appointed through the Public Appointments Service with the Garda Authority making the final decisions to hire.
“The fact that the Acting Commissioner felt it would be acceptable to appoint two acting Deputy Commissioners just a short time ahead of the establishment of the Garda Authority is an alarming development and I would urge the Minister to outline her position in relation to this.”
The Donegal TD added: “It may well be the case that the two appointees are the best people for the job but it would be much better if they were appointed in the proper manner with transparent procedures.”
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