Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to leave stamp on force in final interviews

Under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2025, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has the power to appoint assistant commissioners and chief superintendents through an open competition run by the public appointments service. File Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The outgoing Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, will shape the future composition of the force's top brass as the final interviews for assistant commissioner vacancies are held on Tuesday.

Mr Harris leaves office at the end of this month, when he will be replaced by current the Deputy Commissioner of Security, Governance, and Strategy, Justin Kelly.

However, before Mr Harris goes, he will leave his stamp on the organisation by deciding — albeit with the approval of the newly created Garda Board — who gets on the panel for promotion to assistant commissioner.

The top hierarchy of An Garda Síochána comprises the commissioner, two deputy commissioners, and eight assistant commissioners, as well as civilian bosses.

There is currently one vacancy for assistant commissioner, with Paula Hilman performing both the eastern region as well as roads policing and community engagement roles.

If the deputy commissioner vacancy, following Mr Kelly’s elevation, is filled by an assistant commissioner, it will create a second vacancy. There is also some speculation that another assistant commissioner may retire in the coming year.

A crucial determination will be the order of the panel, with the person topping the panel the first to get a vacancy and the second person on the list securing the second vacancy, and so on.

The candidates

The Irish Examiner understands that five candidates — all at the rank of chief superintendent — are into the final round of interviews: Ger Egan (National Bureau of Criminal Investigations); Denis Ferry (human resources); Catríona Gunn (internal affairs); Alan McGovern (Louth, Cavan, and Monaghan division) and Tony O’Donnell (Dublin South Central division).

It is not clear what the length of the panel will be, whether it will be short, one to three, or all five.

There is expected to be intense competition in the final interview to get the number one or two slot on the panel.

The interview team consists of five people, including the commissioner and representatives of oversight bodies.

Under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2025, the Garda Commissioner has the power to appoint assistant commissioners and chief superintendents through an open competition run by the public appointments service.

The commissioner’s choice is subject to the approval of the Garda Board, established last April.

Before this, the appointments were run by the Policing Authority. Competitions for the positions of commissioner and deputy commissioner are operated by the Garda Board, with a recommendation forwarded to the justice minister for approval by the Cabinet.