New deputy garda commissioner appointed after struggle to fill role

The Government has approved the appointment of a new Deputy Commissioner in An Garda Síochána, with effect from this Tursday.

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, announced the appointment of Assistant Commissioner Justin Kelly following a recent open competition, citing his "strong record of strategic leadership and operational command".

“Over the last two years he has led the fight against organised and serious crime as Assistant Commissioner, Minister McEntee continued.

"This role is crucial to the effective day to day management and strategic direction of An Garda Síochána as well as supporting the Garda Commissioner in leading the implementation of the organisation’s ongoing programme of reform."

The appointment follows an open competition run by Public Jobs on behalf of the Policing Authority and has been welcomed by the Garda Commissioner and the Policing Authority.

Justin Kelly has served as Assistant Commissioner, Serious and Organised Crime since 2022, leading the Garda organisational response to countering the threat of organised crime in all its formats.

He has been a key figure in setting out the strategy and operational priorities, as well as the development of policy in relation to a significant number of areas of organised and serious crime.

As Detective Chief Superintendent in the Special Detective Unit (SDU), A/C Kelly held strategic and operational command of the Garda counter terrorism unit. This included responsibility for countering domestic and international terrorism along with violent political extremism and the threat from hostile state actors.

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Prior to these roles, A/C Kelly held key roles including Detective Superintendent in Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) where he held national responsibility for the management and oversight of online child exploitation investigations. Prior to that he served as Detective Inspector in the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB).

The post of deputy commissioner has been vacant since March, due to a reluctance among senior gardaí to go for the role over a fear that landing the post would have a negative impact on their pension.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris added that “Justin brings huge policing experience and knowledge of An Garda Síochána to the role."

"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 Síochána, his positive and visible leadership has earned him the respect of colleagues across the organisation," Commissioner Harris continued.

“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 Síochána and the community."