The office of the Chief Inspector of the Garda Inspectorate has denied that its head of the inspectorate is a candidate for the post of Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
A statement issued by Ms Kathleen O'Toole said she "refutes entirely" reports that she has submitted an application for the post vacated by Nuala O'Loan.
Chief Insp Kathleen O'Toole said she "is entirely committed to her current position with the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and is working on the next phase of her important work programme."
It was reported this morning that interviews by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) to appoint a successor to Mrs O'Loan are expected to be completed before the weekend.
The NIO is hoping the successful candidate for the seven-year post will be named within the next two weeks.
Mrs O'Loan has headed the agency since 2000.