Justice Kevin Haugh dies suddenly aged 64

The chairman of the Garda Ombudsman Commission, Mr Justice Kevin Haugh, has died at the age of 64.

The High Court Judge died suddenly at his home in Dublin this morning.

Mr Haugh, who was appointed to chair the Commission in February 2006, was educated at Castleknock College, UCD and Kings Inns.

He was called to the bar in 1966, became a senior counsel in 1983 and was appointed to the High Court in 2005.

"He oversaw the setting up of our office and ensured that the operation of the Commission and oversight of policing in our society was established on a professional, independent, accountable footing," said a statement from the Commission today.

" He took great care to ensure compliance with the law. The staff of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is proud to have had him as chairman and is saddened by his death.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and many friends."