Garda Ombudsman steps down for new role in Britain

The chairman of the Garda Ombudsman Commission is to step down.

Simon O'Brien has announced he will leave the role at the end of this month, on Friday 30th January.

He says will be stepping down to become the Chief Executive of the UK's Pensions Ombudsman - a job which will allow him to be with his family who are still based in London.

Mr O'Brien has been chairman of GSOC for over three years - during which time he clashed with the former minister for justice Alan Shatter when he feared his offices may have been bugged.

Simon O'Brien has said: “I have been in Ireland for five years in two posts. This is a significant opportunity and I am looking forward to the new challenge."