The Policing Authority congratulates and welcomes Drew Harris, who has this morning taken up the position of Garda Commissioner. The Authority looks forward to engaging with Commissioner Harris and working with him in the years ahead towards a shared objective of ensuring a modern, professional Garda service which deserves and enjoys the trust and support of the people.

Following Commissioner Harris’s attestation, Policing Authority Chairperson, Josephine Feehily commented;

“Being responsible for the delivery of effective, ethical and efficient policing to the people of Ireland is one of the most important jobs in the country. While the Garda Síochána faces many existing and emerging challenges, the current period of growth and reform in the Garda Síochána presents enormous opportunities for the Garda organisation and for policing in Ireland. The Authority is very satisfied that Commissioner Harris possesses the skills, expertise and experience for the position of Garda Commissioner, to address the challenges and exploit the opportunities. I wish him every success in his new position.”

Commissioner Harris’s first meeting in public with the Policing Authority will take place on the 27th September 2018.

Ms Feehily also paid tribute to the outgoing Acting Commissioner, Donall Ó Cualáin

“I wish to thank Donall for his leadership over the past year, for his steadfast approach and for the dignified manner in which he performed his functions as Garda Commissioner. We wish him and his family the best for the future.”

Mr. Harris was nominated by the Authority for appointment by the Government following a rigorous selection process carried out by the Public Appointments Service. He is a former Deputy Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland who comes to the Garda Síochána with 34 years policing experience.