27/05/2026
Govt Approves Appointment of New Garda Deputy Commissioner
The Government has approved the appointment of a new Deputy Commissioner in An Garda Síochána, with the role taking effect from 26 May. Jim O'Callaghan, the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, announced that Paul Cleary has been appointed to the post after a recent open selection process managed by publicjobs.
The permanent appointment comes after an international search for highly qualified candidates. The recruitment competition, which opened on 27 February and closed on 19 March 2026, was conducted by publicjobs on behalf of the Minister under Section 27 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
Announcing the appointment Minister O'Callaghan said: "I want to congratulate Paul Cleary on his appointment to this critical leadership role in An Garda Síochána. Paul has served with An Garda Síochána for over thirty years and has held a number of senior leadership roles throughout the organisation.
"He has been serving as acting Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy and Governance since September 2025. I am very pleased to confirm his appointment to the role of Deputy Commissioner on a permanent basis following government approval today.
"Paul has served in a variety of operational policing roles and led several successful serious crime investigations. His outstanding experience will be of immense value to the Garda organisation."
The permanent appointment comes after an international search for highly qualified candidates. The recruitment competition, which opened on 27 February and closed on 19 March 2026, was conducted by publicjobs on behalf of the Minister under Section 27 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
"He has been serving as acting Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy and Governance since September 2025. I am very pleased to confirm his appointment to the role of Deputy Commissioner on a permanent basis following government approval today.
"Paul has served in a variety of operational policing roles and led several successful serious crime investigations. His outstanding experience will be of immense value to the Garda organisation."
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