The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has announced the commencement of the recruitment process for a new garda commissioner.

Ms Fitzgerald says she expects the appointment will be made by the end of the year.

It follows the departure of the former commissioner Martin Callinan in May.

The recruitment is being done through an open competition.

Ms Fitzgerald confirmed that in addition to advertising the post, international recruitment experts are being used to identify potential candidates.

"I am very pleased that the Public Appointments Service, which the government has asked to independently manage the competition, is today starting that process by seeking proposals from executive search firms to conduct a global executive search campaign to supplement an advertised recruitment process" she said.

"This is part of a wider process of reform and renewal relating to the Garda Síochána, which will also include the establishment of a police authority" she added.