Emily Logan

Ms Logan is currently a member of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and previously served as chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission from 2014 until 2019, and as Ireland’s first ombudsman for children from 2003 until 2014.

The post of police ombudsman is being created later this year under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “We have taken an important step today in recommending Emily Logan for appointment as the first Police Ombudsman under the new governance and oversight landscape for policing services that I am establishing under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.

“Ms Logan will be appointed as police ombudsman by the president when I commence the Act later this year and reconstitute GSOC as Fiosrú — the Office of the Police Ombudsman, with an expanded remit for investigating allegations of wrongdoing by Garda members.

“As current GSOC commissioner, a former chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and Ireland’s first ombudsman for children, Emily Logan is eminently qualified to perform the role of police ombudsman and the government was pleased to support her nomination.

“I wish her all the best for her appointment later this year.”

In order to manage the transition from GSOC to the new Office of the Police Ombudsman, Mrs McEntee has asked the Oireachtas to approve the reappointment of Ms Logan as GSOC commissioner and then her appointment as police ombudsman from 1 August 2024

Further announcements regarding appointments to key roles under the new Act are expected in the coming weeks and months.