Dublin Circuit Criminal Court judge Mary Ellen Ring is to be appointed as chair of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc).
The Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald announced that the Government had nominated Ms Ring for the position following a Cabinet meeting earlier today.
Ms Fitzgerald said: “It is vital that the public has strong confidence in An Garda Síochána and the system of oversight of An Garda Síochána.
“The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is a vital part of our policing architecture.
“This Government is, at present, implementing a comprehensive programme of reform in the areas of policing and justice, and an important part of this is recent legislation which enhances the remit of Gsoc.
“I’m delighted that Ms Justice Ring has accepted the nomination to be chairperson of Gsoc.
“Ms Justice Ring will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position of chairperson and I look forward to working with her during her term of office.”
Nomination process
Ms Ring’s nomination will now go before both Houses of the Oireachtas for approval, before she is formally appointed by the President.
Ms Ring will replace Simon O’Brien, who resigned from the office in January.