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The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has announced that the Government has today appointed Mr Bob Collins as Chairperson of the Policing Authority to succeed the outgoing Chairperson, Ms Josephine Feehily, whose term of office ends on 31 December 2019.

Announcing the appointment, Minister Flanagan said:

I am delighted that Bob Collins has agreed to serve as Chairperson of the Policing Authority. Mr Collins brings a wealth of experience to this role, not only from his membership of the Authority since its establishment but also from his previous roles in the public sector.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Josephine Feehily for her stellar work as the first Chairperson of the Authority. Since her appointment five years ago as interim Chair, Josephine has guided the Authority to rapid and significant progress since its establishment. The achievements of the Authority under her stewardship have served as the solid foundation of the ongoing programme of policing reform and continue to ensure a clear focus in An Garda Síochána on the need for the highest standards in provision of policing services.

Referring to the ongoing work on a Policing and Community Safety Bill to provide for a coherent governance and oversight framework for policing which will introduce a new independent oversight body to build on the good work of the Authority and the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, Minister Flanagan said:

Mr Collins’s appointment comes at an important juncture, as the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland gathers pace. Bob’s skills and his experience at the most senior levels in the public sector will be key ingredients in successfully leading the Authority through the coming time of significant change while ensuring that it continues to provide robust public scrutiny of our policing services.

The term of the current Chairperson Josephine Feehily will end on 31 December 2019. This appointment has been made following Ms Feehily’s decision not to seek re-appointment in the role which she has held since the Policing Authority was established.

Minister Flanagan continued:

Josephine’s work as Chairperson of the Policing Authority has made a significant contribution to enhancing public trust in policing and enabling An Garda Síochána to better meet future challenges. On my own behalf and on behalf of the Government, I want to thank her for her contribution to policing in Ireland and wish her well for the future.

The Government has also appointed Dr Deborah Donnelly as a member of the Policing Authority and reappointed Ms Judith Gillespie as a member for a further term to 31 December 2020. Dr Donnelly will fill a vacancy which will arise on expiry of the term of Ms Maureen Lynott on 31 December 2019. The Minister recorded his appreciation of the work of Ms Lynott, who has been a member of the Authority since its establishment in January 2016.