External candidates over 55 will be able to apply for Garda role

The Government has agreed to change the law to allow external candidates over the age of 55 to apply for the post of Garda Commissioner.

Under the current rules, only those below this age threshold are eligible to put their names forward for the job. However, a short piece of legislation will now be drafted to change this.

The position will be advertised later this month and it is expected that a new commissioner will be appointed by the summer. Acting Commissioner Dónall Ó Cualáin has previously stated he will not seek the job on a full-time basis.