The new Garda Commissioner says she wants to make the force a beacon of 21st century policing.

Nóirín O'Sullivan made the remarks at a garda reserve graduation ceremony in the Garda Training College in Templemore this afternoon.

Sixty two members of the reserve force have graduated today. They are made up of 41 men and 21 women - including Irish, French, Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian nationals.

Ms O'Sullivan has also confirmed that the next tranche of 100 garda recruits will start training on December 8th.

She says that while she does not underestimate the challenges ahead, she wants to bring about change.

She also said she hopes to see recruitment continue, with 100 more recruits to enter training in December:

Ms O'Sullivan was made garda commissioner on a permanent basis earlier this week, after filling the role on an interim basis since March.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said: "An Garda Síochána has faced many challenges in recent times. The focus must now be to ensure public confidence in policing in Ireland and to support the men and women An Garda Síochána in their day-to-day work of keeping our communities and country safe."

She congratulated Ms. O'Sullivan on her appointment, adding: "I believe that Nóirin O’Sullivan, with her experience and proven leadership capacity, is exceptionally well placed to deliver on this programme of reform and modernisation."

Originally published at 13.24