Senior Revenue official to take up top Garda post

A SENIOR official in the Revenue Commissioners has been appointed chief administrative officer in An Garda Síochána.

The position is of deputy commissioner rank, the most senior level after that of Garda commissioner.

John Leamy, who is assistant secretary at the Revenue Commissioners, will be the highest placed civilian in the force.

He will be one of four deputy commissioners and will sit on a new board of management in the Garda Síochána.

The position was created last December by the Government on foot of separate recommendations by the advisory group on Garda management and the Garda inspectorate.

Mr Leamy is assistant secretary in charge of the Dublin region, with responsibility for 1,400 staff. By far the busiest region in the country, he directs all matters in relation to taxes involving business and individuals as well as customs operations.

He is due to leave his position on Friday week and is expected to take up his new role immediately.

The final report of the advisory group, published yesterday, said it was crucial the chief administrative officer be of deputy commissioner rank.

“The post should be filled by a person of wide experience at senior level in a large organisation which has undergone considerable change.”

However, the report said the sort of experience required was more likely to have been gained in the private sector.

Commenting yesterday, Revenue chairman Frank Daly said Mr Leamy secured the post following an open competition, which attracted candidates from home and abroad.

“It is a measure of the man that he succeeded in such a challenging competition.”