Justin Kelly has been named as Deputy Garda Commissioner after a lengthy recruitment campaign to fill the role.
Attempts to fill the role proved challenging due to concerns about how the successful candidate’s pension would be taxed.
One of the two Deputy Commissioner roles has been vacant since March 2024.
Mr Kelly was previously assistant commissioner with responsibility for tackling serious and organised crime.
He recently spoke at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague about the infiltration of the encrypted communication tool Ghost which was used for criminal activities worldwide.
Justin Kelly during a press conference at Walter Scott House in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA)
Justice Minister Helen McEntee, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and chairwoman of the Policing Authority Dr Elaine Byrne congratulated Mr Kelly on his appointment on Tuesday.
“Justin has a strong record of strategic leadership and operational command,” Ms McEntee said.
“Over the last two years he has led the fight against organised and serious crime as assistant commissioner.
“In this role, he has led the further development of An Garda Siochana’s capabilities and international partnerships to tackle drugs and organised crime, cyber and economic crime, as well as prioritising combating crimes against vulnerable people and responding to the needs of victims.
“Justin’s career is marked by achievement and results and I know he will bring his experience, skill and huge personal commitment to An Garda Siochana’s mission, to this important senior position.
“This role is crucial to the effective day-to-day management and strategic direction of An Garda Siochana as well as supporting the Garda Commissioner in leading the implementation of the organisation’s ongoing programme of reform.”
“I am optimistic that Justin will make a major contribution to that transformation and build upon the quality of the policing service that An Garda Siochana brings to the people of Ireland.”
The Garda Commissioner said he was “very pleased” to congratulate Mr Kelly on his promotion.
“Justin brings huge policing experience and knowledge of An Garda Siochana to the role,” Mr Harris said.
“He has very significant experience across a range of key leadership roles, notably leading on our fights against drugs and organised crime, economic and cyber-crime and immigration enforcement since his appointment as assistant commissioner in 2022.
“A key member of the Senior Leadership Team of An Garda Siochana, his positive and visible leadership has earned him the respect of colleagues across the organisation.
“I look forward to working with Justin as we continue to deliver a policing service that keeps people safe through a strong bond between An Garda Siochana and the community.”
The chairwoman of the Policing Authority Dr Elaine Byrne welcomed Mr Kelly’s appointment.
“This is a highly significant appointment in Irish public life and coincides with the landmark Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, which will be implemented shortly.
“Justin has come through a challenging selection process that brings together the Government, the Authority and the Public Appointments Service.”