The Garda Inspectorate has said "it’s time to retire" the Garda Pulse computer system — saying the force desperately needs an entirely new platform.

Senior figures in the Garda Inspectorate could be in the running for the top job in the Garda Ombudsman following the shock resignation of its chairman Simon O’Brien.

The final round of interviews for the next Garda commissioner began yesterday with interim police boss Noirin O’Sullivan the first among three candidates being grilled by an expert panel.