Ms Mulcahy has worked as a researcher in the area of criminal justice, penal policy and social justice since 2005 and is current employed as a research fellow with the Research Evidence into the Policy, Programmes and Practice (REPPP) team at the University of Limerick.

Ms Mulcahy is the project manager of a pilot project seeking to reduce children’s involvement in criminal networks and provide them with positive social opportunities.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “I welcome the appointment of Ms Mulcahy to the Policing Authority and wish her every success in her new role. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience in criminal justice, penal policy and social justice and will bring a valuable perspective to the important work of the Authority.”

Ms Mulcahy has been appointed for the period until 8 March 2024, the expiry term date of the recently resigned member, Ms Shalom Binchy, or upon the dissolution of the Authority following the enactment of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, whichever is sooner.

The Bill, which completed report and final stage in the Dáil and will go to the Seanad in Autumn, will provide for a new governance and oversight framework for policing as recommended by Commission on the Future of Policing.

This will result in the dissolution of the Policing Authority and will provide for the establishment of a new independent oversight body replacing the Policing Authority and the Garda Síochána Inspectorate. The new body will encompass the functions of both the Authority and the Garda Síochána Inspectorate as well as a range of community safety-related functions.