THE recruitment process for the next Garda Commissioner was launched today.
Commissioner Noirin O' Sullivan retired in September.
Work on finding a replacement is expected to take more than four months.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "The role of Commissioner, the most senior post in Irish policing, is extremely challenging.
"The overriding concern of all stakeholders has been to ensure that this process is designed to attract the widest possible pool of high calibre candidates, so that whoever is selected and nominated by the (Policing) Authority for appointment by government is tested against a strong field."
The process is being undertaken by the Public Appointments Service under the auspices of the independent Policing Authority for the first time.
The government triggered the selection and appointment process on December 12.
A statement from the authority said: "There is a unique opportunity for the new Garda Commissioner to lead and shape Ireland's police service to meet the internal and external challenges of the fast moving environment in which policing and security services operate in the 21st century and the expectations of the people of Ireland for a modern, professional, accountable and effective police service.
"This is an extremely challenging, wide ranging and high profile role and an exceptional candidate who is an inspirational leader and accomplished senior manager is sought for the position."
