The Cabinet has approved the promotion of current Deputy Commissioner Martin Callinan to the position of Garda Commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner Callinan, who is from Dublin, will take charge of the force from December 28th, when the incumbent Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy retires.
The appointment was approved at today's Cabinet meeting. Outgoing Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern formally announced the decision in a statement released by this office this evening.
Mr Ahern congratulated Mr Callinan on his promotion to lead to the force and wished him well in his new post. "He has a distinguished record of service in the Garda Síochána, with a wide range of experience in key positions in the force, and has all the qualities needed to lead the Garda Síochána successfully through the challenging times ahead."
In his current role, Deputy Commissioner Callinan is head of operations across the force, meaning he has overall responsibility for anti terrorism operations and all national Garda units, including the Garda National Drugs Unit, Criminal Assets Bureau and Organised Crime Unit.
He joined An Garda Síochána in 1973 and in his early years served in Waterford, Blanchardstown, Cabra, the former Central Detective Unit, Pearse Street, Terenure, Swinford and the Crime and Security Section at Garda headquarters.
He was appointed to the position of assistant commissioner in 2005, and in January 2007 he became a deputy commissioner.
Along with Deputy Commissioner Nacie Rice, the married father of three was regarded as favourite to win promotion to the position of Garda Commissioner.
Mr Ahern paid tribute to outgoing Garda Commissioner Murphy, saying he had led the force "from the front and with enormous dedication and commitment" during a period of significant organisational change.
"He leaves behind a proud record of dedicated service to the State in the finest tradition of the Garda Síochána and, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government, I thank him for his service to the State."
