THE GARDA Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, will remain in his post for almost two more years after his term was extended by the Government.
The head of the Garda Inspectorate, Kathleen O’Toole, has been given an extension by the Cabinet and will remain in her post for two more years.
Mr Murphy was expected to be granted an extension to remain on in his post beyond his retirement in November. However, the timing of yesterday’s announcement was not widely anticipated.
Mr Murphy assumed the Garda commissionership from Noel Conroy in November 2007. In 2006 the Government moved to extend Mr Murphy’s time in the force by two years in order that three deputy commissioners would not retire in close succession. Had his career not been extended at that point he would have retired on age grounds, aged 60, in June 2007 when deputy commissioner.
In late 2007 the Government decided Mr Murphy should succeed Mr Conroy as commissioner. At the same time they again extended Mr Murphy’s career by another two years, enabling him to stay on until November 2009.
Mr Murphy has now been granted a third extension by the Government, meaning he will stay in his current post until at least November 2010.
Mr Murphy became well known to the public in 1996 when he was involved in the establishment of the Criminal Assets Bureau, which he led during its first years.
Ms O’Toole, the former Boston police chief, has been granted a two-year extension to her contract as head of the Garda Inspectorate. She was due to complete her three-year term in May.
The Garda Inspectorate was established to advise the Garda on development and reform of the force and on best international practice in policing.
