Deputy Commissioner Fachtna Murphy is to succeed Noel Conroy as Garda Commissioner, it was announced today.
Mr Murphy will take up the position upon Mr Conroy's retirement in November.
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Brian Lenihan announced the Government decision to appoint Mr Murphy, who was the first chief of the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) when it was established in 1996.
Mr Murphy has also played a key role in the Garda's anti-gangland crime initiatives, such as Operation Anvil.
Mr Lenihan said the Commissioner-designate has had "a distinguished career to date in An Garda Síochána and has served in a wide range of roles and in a number of key positions".
As a Chief Superintendent, Mr Murphy was appointed the first Chief Bureau Officer of Cab, which was established following the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin in June 1996.
In December 1999, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner and given responsibility for human resource management, including all matters relating to personnel, internal affairs, health and safety, welfare and overseas sections. He also had responsibility for training and development at the Garda Síochána College in Templemore.
"Since July 2003, the Commissioner-designate has been Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for operational policing, with the Regional Assistant Commissioners and the Assistant Commissioners for Crime and Security and for National Support Services reporting directly to him," Mr Lenihan said.
"He has been responsible for key operations, such as Operation Anvil, targeting gangland crime and I am sure his commitment to these successful operations will continue in his new role."
"I wish to take this opportunity to offer my congratulations to Deputy Commissioner Murphy on his appointment and to wish him well in his new post. He has given many years service to An Garda Síochána and is committed to the ongoing change seen in recent times," the Minister added.
Mr Murphy is a native of Timoleague, Co Cork and has served in An Garda Síochána since 1967.
He has studied policing methods overseas at both the FBI Academy, Quantico, USA and at the Police College, Bramshill, England.