The current head of the Revenue Commissioners, Josephine Feehily, has been nominated as the first chairperson-designate of the new policing puthority.

Her nomination was confirmed by the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

In a statement, Ms Fitzgerald said: "She will bring a wealth of experience and competences, including in the area of investigations, to her new independent role leading the public oversight of policing in Ireland."

"With 41 years of invaluable experience of public service leadership, governance and change management, Josephine will also be ideally placed to oversee and support the reform, modernisation of systems and upgrading of technology which is now required in An Garda Síochána," she added.

The appointment will be subject to a statutory process once the legislation to establish the authority is enacted.

Ms Feehily has served as chairman of the Revenue Commissioners for the past 16 years and will complete her role there in January.

Commenting on the planned new authority, Ms Fitzgerald added: "The new independent Policing Authority will bring a further layer of public accountability to the administration of policing services, while it will also provide a new engine to drive reforms of the policing system and practices to ensure that An Garda Síochána is fit to meet the ongoing and emerging challenges of 21st century policing."

The minister noted that one of the first tasks of Ms Feehily will be to take part in the final rounds of recruiting a new garda commissioner.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Feehily said: "I am honoured by the confidence shown in me by the minister and the government and look forward to working with stakeholders to advance the challenges and opportunities which the role will bring when I complete my term as chairman of the Revenue Commissioners."