New garda deputy to push reforms in force

A NEW deputy garda commissioner was appointed yesterday with the brief of driving reforms within the force.

The position was created by the Government following recommendations from the various Morris reports into garda abuses in Donegal as well as a number of independent expert bodies.

Mr Callinan has been in the force for 34 years.

The post is a central part of major structural changes in the Garda Síochána. It brings to three the number of deputy commissioners, operating below the rank of garda commissioner, held by Mr Noel Conroy. The others are Mr Facthna Murphy, responsible for operations, and Mr Peter Fitzgerald, who is in charge of strategic and human resources.

As head of the National Support Services, Mr Callinan co-ordinated the work of the force’s specialist units, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Criminal Assets Bureau and the National Drugs Unit.

“The case for a third deputy commissioner was identified as crucial by the Advisory Group chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes which reported on the implementation of the Garda Síochána Act 2005,” said Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.

“That group recommended that, in order to drive forward the major change process being undertaken under the clear leadership of the commissioner, a dedicated change management team was required, which should be headed by a new appointee at a level equivalent to deputy commissioner, reporting directly to the commissioner.”

Born in August 1953, Mr Callinan is a native of Dublin and has served in various postings in Dublin, the south-east and the west. He also served as head of the National Bureau for Criminal Investigation and the Security and Intelligence Branch at Garda Headquarters.