Ms Humphreys brought the nomination to Cabinet following an open competition conducted by the Public Appointments Service, which identified Mr Barton for the post.

She said: “I am very pleased that the Government has appointed Alywin Barton to the Garda Síochána Inspectorate. Alywin brings a wealth of experience to the role and I wish him every success.”

Mr Barton, who held several senior positions with the PSNI, will be appointed to the Inspectorate with effect from 1 November 2021, for a maximum term of three years.

Under the terms of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, the functions of the existing Policing Authority and Garda Inspectorate will be combined in the new Policing and Community Safety Authority.

Ms Humphreys added: “The new Policing and Community Safety Bill will refine the governance and oversight framework of An Garda Síochána. Work is at an advanced stage on this legislation in my Department but it is essential that the Inspectorate would remain fully operational and, in this respect, it is important that this vacancy on the Garda Síochána Inspectorate be filled as soon as possible.”