The Department of Justice has begun its search for a candidate to fill the post of chief inspector of the new Garda Inspectorate.
An advertisement for the €115,000 per annum post appeared in yesterday's Irish Times. Similar adverts will appear in the media overseas and on international recruitment websites in the weeks ahead.
Eligible candidates must have experience as a senior police officer in a state other than Ireland. The tenure is for three years, at the expiry of which the person may be eligible for reappointment.
The Garda Inspectorate was provided for under the Garda Síochána Act, 2005. Starting early next year it will, according to the advertisement, carry out "inspections or inquiries in relation to any particular aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána".
It differs from the new Garda ombudsman in that the ombudsman agency will replace the Garda Complaints Board in investigating complaints against members of the force. Based on its inquiries, the inspectorate will submit reports and make recommendations to the Minister for Justice on policing matters.
