The new Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, takes up his post today. Mr Murphy takes over from Noel Conroy, who is retiring.
The new Garda Commissioner, a native of Timoleague, Co Cork, joined An Garda Síochána in 1967.
During his 40-year career, Mr Murphy has served in Crumlin, the Central Detective Unit, Pearse Street, Ballyfermot, the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Dun Laoghaire, the Criminal Assets Bureau and in Human Resource Management.
He was promoted Chief Superintendent in 1996 and took charge of the Dublin Metropolitan Eastern Division.
In August that year, following the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin, the Government established the Criminal Assets Bureau. Mr Murphy was appointed its first chief bureau officer and was in the role for three years until his promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner in December 1999.
The Garda Commissioner has studied policing methods overseas at both the FBI Academy, Quantico, USA and at the Police College, Bramshill, England. He holds a BA in Police Management and a Diploma in Management and Industrial Relations. He is currently World Regional Chair (Europe) of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
The new commissioner's management team includes Deputy Commissioner Peter Fitzgerald, who assumes responsibility for strategy and change management, Deputy Commissioner Martin Callinan (operations), and John Leamy, who becomes chief administrative officer.
Paying tribute to his predecessor, Mr Murphy said: "Noel Conroy served a long and distinguished 44 years in An Garda Síochána. His dedication and professionalism were an example to all who worked with him over that time."
Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan said the new Commissioner faces unprecedented challenges including "the ongoing rise of gangland criminals and a national drugs epidemic".
"I would like to wish Fachtna Murphy well in his new position as Garda Commissioner," Mr Flanagan said.