Update: 'No conversation has taken place' in relation to Garda Commissioner's contract

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. File Picture: Damien Storan

There has been no conversation between the Justice Minister or the Government in relation to an extension of the Garda Commissioner's contract. 

It had been reported on Friday that Drew Harris was twice approached by the Government about an extension, which he was said to have declined. 

A spokesperson from the Department of Justice has now said that there has been no conversation about a contract extension. 

The statement said Helen McEntee "fully supports the Garda Commissioner", however, "no conversation has taken place with the Minister or with Government in relation to any further extension of the Commissioner’s term".

A Belfast native, Mr Harris was appointed Garda Commissioner in September 2018 on a five-year term, becoming the first Garda Commissioner to be appointed from outside An Garda Síochána. 

In 2023, he accepted another two-year extension. His current contract is set to end in around 10 months.

Prior to his appointment, he served as Assistant Chief Constable responsible for Crime Operations in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) from 2006 until 2014, and as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI from 2014 to 2018.

If Mr Harris wished to stay on as Commissioner, he would have to agree to an extension and formally reapply to the Government to remain in the role beyond the age of 60, an age he will reach next April.