LAST UPDATE | 8 Apr

DREW HARRIS’ CONTRACT as Garda Commissioner has been extended for three months by government until his replacement is recruited in the summer. 

A motion seeking permission to extend the contract, brought to Cabinet this morning by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, was approved.

Harris, a former senior member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, was appointed Garda Commissioner, known as ‘Number One’ in the organisation, for a five-year term in September 2018.

Harris, a former senior member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, was due to retire in June of this year after his contract was extended for an additional two years in 2023 by former minister Helen McEntee.

Today’s extension overrides a previous requirement for the commissioner to serve until Harris turned 60 years old and gives more time to recruiters to fill the top job at An Garda Síochána.

Speaking today, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said that he was happy to continue in the role.

“I very much welcome the opportunity provided by the Government to continue to have the honour and privilege of serving the people of Ireland and working with the highly dedicated and professional Garda personnel as Garda Commissioner until 1 September, 2025,” he said.

O’Callaghan said in a statement this evening that the Commissioner’s willingness to accept the Government’s invitation for an extension to his tenure is a testament to his dedication to public service.

“I am very pleased that he will continue to offer his leadership and ensure a smooth process of transition to his successor who will be selected over the coming months,” said the minister. 

The process to extend the Garda Commissioner’s term is provided for in the recently commenced Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, the statement added. 

“On behalf of the Government, Minister O’Callaghan will now consult with the newly established Garda Board and Policing and Community Safety Authority as provided for under the Act.

“When Minister O’Callaghan completes this consultation the Government will then make a formal decision to confirm the extension of the Commissioner’s term.

“Regulations providing for the new retirement date for the Commissioner will be brought to government for approval at the same time,” said the department statement. 

Labour’s justice spokesperson Alan Kelly has criticised the extension.

A High Court case, challenging Harris’ independence due his previous roles in Northern Ireland, was dismissed just days before his confirmation in 2018.