Garda deputy commissioner role set to be advertised after months-long delay

Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary (pictured here in February 2025), head of Security, Strategy and Governance, is seen as a favourite for the position. File photo: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

The position of Garda Deputy Commissioner is expected to be advertised as early as next week.

The competition was due to be launched last October when the position became vacant on September 1. That followed the promotion of Justin Kelly to Garda Commissioner.

It is thought that the Presidential election may have been a factor in the delay. It is understood the Department of Justice has completed an “executive search” process over a period of five to six weeks.

The process identifies high-profile people abroad who are considered potential candidates, and makes them aware that the position is about to be advertised.

Multiple sources believe there is a desire at senior departmental level, as well as a strong view at Garda HQ, that the position should be given to an internal candidate.

The department has tasked the Public Appointments Service (PAS) to carry out the competition. The Department of Justice told the Irish Examiner to contact the PAS on the timing of the advertisement.

The PAS said there was “no confirmed advertisement date” for the competition, but said discussions were ongoing between the client (Department of Justice) and PublicJobs to progress the matter.

The Irish Examiner understands the advertisement may be issued next week or the week after. Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary, head of Security, Strategy and Governance, is seen as a favourite for the position.

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The decision by Garda HQ last October to publicly confirm that Assistant Commissioner Cleary was taking over the role of deputy commissioner temporarily was seen as an indicator he was in pole position for the job.

But some sources believe he could face stiff competition if Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis, head of Organised and Serious Crime, decides to apply.

Other internal candidates that might apply include Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson, head of North West Region and acting head of Dublin Region, and Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Roberts, head of Governance and Accountability.

The PAS interview panel will recommend a person to the minister of justice, who makes the decision with the agreement of the Cabinet.

Commissioner Kelly and the chair of the Garda Board, Donal de Buitleir, are expected to be on the PAS interview panel.