None of Ireland's most senior garda officers have applied for the post of Deputy Garda Commissioner, the second highest position in An Garda Síochána, in spite of the deadline for applications having been extended.
Current Deputy Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon was due to retire next month but has agreed to stay on for a short time into next year.
Applications for the post which is responsible for all of the State’s crime and security policing close next week.
The position is of national importance because it has responsibility for organised, subversive and serious crime including domestic and international terrorism.
All of the investigative specialists, national and regional supervisors and units report to the Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations.
However, no current serving front-line experienced senior garda officer wants the job under the present financial arrangements and none of the current eight assistant garda commissioners have applied because they say it will cost them money.
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath announced a review of the financial issues that senior officers say are preventing them from applying for the position, but it is not expected to conclude until next summer.
Mr McGrath also said he will then consider it and then it will require input from stakeholders and then a public consultation is planned. He said then the department may also engage external expertise.
The deadline for applications for the post is Thursday and candidates can apply from any country, including Russia and China.
Senior garda officers have accused Mr McGrath of not taking their concerns seriously and if none of them apply it means the top three garda officers could all come from outside police services and never have served in any other garda rank.
