Barrister Dr Elaine Byrne has been designated for appointment as the inaugural chair of the new Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA), which amalgamates the current Policing Authority and Garda Inspectorate, while Dr Donal de Buitléir will chair the new Bord an Gharda Síochána.

Mr Justice George Birmingham, who recently retired as president of the Court of Appeal, has been nominated as the independent examiner of security legislation.

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “I am very grateful to all the nominees for their willingness to serve in these important roles.

“They will bring their extensive experience to this cohesive new framework of governance and oversight for An Garda Síochána as recommended by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.”

Dr Byrne, being the current chair of the Policing Authority, will bring “continuity of leadership in the newly amalgamated organisation”, she said.

The other members of the PCSA will be Joe Costello, Michael Feehan, Nessa Lynch, Martina Maloney, Freda McKittrick, Tony O’Brien, Ken O’Leary and Emma Reidy.

Dr de Buitléir, the new Garda Board chair, has served on the Policing Authority since 2021 and was formerly the Chairman of the Low Pay Commission and a Board member of the HSE.

Other members of the Board will be Catherine Corbett, Helen Faughnan, Anthony Harbinson, Claire Loftus, Sinead McSweeney, Jack Nolan, Michael Patten and Suzanne Treacy.

Mrs McEntee said: “These appointments now complete all the office holders, senior leaders, Board and Authority members required to operationalise the new and reformed policing bodies under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 and establish the office of the independent examiner of security legislation.

“It is a significant milestone in ensuring we are ready to commence the Act, which I intend to do by way of Order on 16 December.

“I am pleased to see such dedicated and high calibre of individuals being appointed to these key roles and I wish them well as they take up their posts.”