26.— (1) Subject to this Act and the regulations, the Garda Commissioner has the following functions:

(a) to direct and control the Garda Síochána;

(b) to carry on and manage and control generally the administration and business of the Garda Síochána, including by arranging for the recruitment, training and appointment of its members and civilian staff;

(c) to advise the Minister on policing and security matters;

F43[(ca) to assist and co-operate with the Authority in order to facilitate the performance by the Authority of its functions under this Act;]

(d) to perform any other functions that are assigned to him or her by this Act or that may, by regulation, be assigned to him or her.

(2) In performing his or her functions, the Garda Commissioner shall have regard to the following matters:

(a) the objective of promoting effectiveness, efficiency and economy in the Garda Síochána;

(b) the priorities and performance targets in operation F44[under sections 20 and 20A] at the relevant time;

(c) any relevant policies of the Minister or the Government;

(d) the strategy statement in operation under section 21 at that time;

(e) the annual policing plan prepared under section 22;

F44[(f) any directive issued to him or her under section 25;

(g) the policing principles.]

(3) The Garda Commissioner is accountable to the Minister for the performance of the Commissioner’s functions and those of the Garda Síochána.