Former Minneapolis police chief Robert Olson and Ontario provincial police commissioner Gwen Boniface have been named as part of the new independent body that will oversee the gardaí.
The two new inspectors will join the former Boston police commissioner Kathleen O'Toole as part of the three-member Garda Síochána Inspectorate.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell, who made the appointments today, said he was delighted that the selection process had brought together "three highly accomplished" policing experts.
He said: "I am confident that, as a team, they will play a most important role in ensuring that the Garda Síochána operates at a level of efficiency and effectiveness that is in keeping with best international practice."
Mr Olson and Ms Boniface were chosen following a competition held by the Public Appointments Service, which drew a total of 67 national and international candidates for the two posts.
Candidates were required to have experience as a police officer outside the Irish Republic.
The functions of the inspectorate are to "carry out, at the request or with the consent of the Minister, inspections or inquiries in relation to any particular aspects of the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána".
It is also obliged to submit reports on inspections or inquiries to the Minister, and if required by the Minister, a report on the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána during a specified period. It is also obliged to make recommendations in its reports and is also to provide advice to the Minister with regard to best policing practice.
The job pays in excess of €115,000 a year.
The Minister has made an order under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 establishing the Garda Síochána Inspectorate as a statutory body with effect from today.
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