I am very pleased that the Government today accepted my recommendation to appoint Justin Kelly as the next Commissioner of An Garda Síochána following an open competition conducted by public jobs.

Justin Kelly is currently serving as Deputy Commissioner Security, Strategy and Governance and he will take up the Commissioner role on September 1st.

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. 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 Síochána including national security, domestic and sexual violence, and organised crime.

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.

I also want to thank and pay tribute today to the outgoing Commissioner Drew Harris for his leadership and commitment over the last seven years.