The Department of Justice has announced that a process to select the next Deputy Garda Commissioner will be an open competition.

This will allow candidates from outside Ireland - as well as those outside the force - to apply.

The announcement follows Government approval for the Policing Authority to request the Public Appointments Service to undertake a selection competition for the post.

The international competition will be open to members of An Garda Síochána and others, and open to persons irrespective of their nationality.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "This will ensure that the strongest field is assembled and that the successful candidate is tested against the best available candidates from Ireland and elsewhere."

The Deputy Commissioner will assist the Commissioner in implementing a major strategic reform agenda within An Garda Síochána - to include improving governance and performance management, building managerial capacity and enhancing service delivery.

An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority have agreed that it should be a requirement that candidates have experience of leading within a police service, including the operational command of senior police officers.

Minister Flanagan added: "An Garda Síochána and the Policing Authority recommend, and I agree, that candidates should have experience of policing including at leadership level.

"This is particularly important given the scale of the transformation that An Garda Síochána has embarked upon in response to the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.

"Both myself and the Garda Commissioner are keen that this selection process should begin as soon as possible."

It is expected the selection will be made following a competitive interview process, and nominated by the Policing Authority for appointment by the Government.

There is currently one vacancy at Deputy Commissioner level, which has not been filled since the retirement of Donal Ó Cúaláin in September 2018.