Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the appointment of Justin Kelly as the new Garda Commissioner

I warmly welcome the appointment today of Justin Kelly as the next Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.

Currently serving as Deputy Commissioner Security, Strategy and Governance, Justin will bring much expertise and experience from his 30 years in the Gardaí to the job.

The role of the Garda Commissioner is hugely important and challenging. Justin is highly qualified, with a proven track record in leadership roles in the force and extensive experience in many areas of policing, including national security, organised crime, and domestic and sexual violence.

I wish him the very best in his term, which will begin on September 1.

I also want to pay tribute to outgoing Commissioner Drew Harris for his leadership of An Garda Síochána over the past seven years.

Commissioner Harris has led An Garda Síochána with great distinction through a period of significant reform in the organisation. I wish him the best of luck for the future.