Vacant Garda posts filled

The Government has risked fresh criticism over the appointment of top-level gardaí.

Four of the eight vacant assistant Garda commissioner posts were filled yesterday, just a month before the new Policing Authority takes over responsibility for appointments.

A government spokesperson confirmed the decision to appoint current chief superintendents Michael D O’Sullivan, John O’Driscoll, Eugene Corcoran, and Anne McMahon defending the timeline of the promotions.

Due in part to the delay in forming a new government, eight assistant commissioner positions were left unfilled for most of 2016, to date, with two posts being empty since last October.

The issue has caused repeated concern that not enough emphasis is being placed on reforming the garda hierarchy in light of recent controversies. The matter was expected to be addressed by the new Policing Authority next month.

However, in a surprise move, yesterday’s cabinet meeting decided to fill four of the positions before the new authority takes control —risking fresh opposition criticism over transparency in the appointments’ process.

A spokesperson yesterday defended the appointments, saying yesterday’s murder in Dublin’s inner city and the recent spate of gun attacks means the appointments are necessary and “being made for the right reasons”.

Asked why the positions have been filled just weeks before the Policing Authority takes control of the process, the spokesperson said the moves would have taken place earlier but were prevented by the delay in forming a new government.

The situation emerged as it was confirmed that Garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan will appear before the Policing Authority tomorrow to address the O’Higgins report on the whistleblower crisis.