Govt appoint ‘well suited' Justin Kelly to Garda Commissioner role to replace Drew Harris after retirement in weeks
Justin Kelly, who has served over 30 years at all ranks in
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Justin Kelly will take on the role of Garda Commissioner in September
Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
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Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will remain in the role until his retirement in just a few weeks
Credit: Garrett White/PA Wire
He was appointed as Deputy Commissioner Security, Strategy and Governance last October and was previously the Assistant Commissioner in charge of Serious and Organised Crime.
Minister for Justice
He said: "The role of Garda Commissioner is one of the most challenging and impactful leadership positions in Ireland's public service and the appointment process was suitably rigorous.
"I am satisfied that Justin Kelly is both qualified and particularly well suited to the role of Commissioner given his extensive leadership experience over the last 30 years in some of the most challenging issues facing An Garda Siochana including national security, domestic and sexual violence, and organised crime.
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"I know Justin is fully committed to providing a high visibility, highly trusted policing service to the public in keeping with the Garda mission of Keeping People Safe."
Minister O'Callaghan said the the Government is "very grateful" to him for leading An Garda Siochana over the last number of years.
He said: "It is a measure of his steady and effective leadership that the organisation maintains very high levels of public trust after what had been a very turbulent period for An Garda Siochana prior to his appointment.
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'In creating a national network of Divisional Protective Services Units, he transformed the quality of Garda investigations into domestic and sexual crimes.
"He has determinedly focused on tracking down and prosecuting those involved in organised crime, including building international partnerships to seek them out, leading to a very substantial measurable drop in gun-related deaths in Ireland, as well as significant increases in seizure of drugs and cash.
"His leadership of An Garda Siochana throughout the Covid pandemic was exemplary and the country owes him a debt of gratitude for all his work.'
Tanaiste
'PROUD DAY'
He said: "This is a proud day for the new Commissioner and his family and I want to wish him every success in his new position, leading the men and women of An Garda Siochana who carry out such an important role in our society every single day right across the country."
The Fine Gael leader added: "I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead on building stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Siochana, expanding resources, and modernising support to tackle crime.
"As a Government we are committed to funding the recruitment of thousands more gardai as well as protecting and investing in the force.
"Today's appointment will take effect upon the retirement of the current Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on September 1.
"I want to take this opportunity to extend my thanks and appreciation to the outgoing Commissioner who led An Garda Siochana through a period of significant reform which has seen the implementation of a new Operating Model along with the repeal and replacement of the Garda Siochana Act."
The Garda Commissioner role is understood to have a salary of at least €314,000.
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