Issue Date: 26/05/2026
The Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has today welcomed the appointment by Government of Paul Cleary as Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for Security, Strategy and Governance.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD on Tuesday 26th May 2026 and will take immediate effect.
Speaking on the appointment, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said:
"I am delighted to congratulate Paul Cleary on his appointment to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in An Garda Síochána.
"Paul brings to this role a broad wealth of policing experience and expertise amassed across a varied and distinguished career in An Garda Síochána.
"Indeed his career to date has seen him serve in a variety of leadership and operational policing roles, which began in Dublin first at Fitzgibbon Street and then at the North Central Divisional Drugs Unit at Store Street. In his career he has led many complex criminal investigations as a Senior Investigating Officer.
"Paul is a valuable member of the Senior Leadership team, and he his highly regarded for his proactive and positive leadership style.
"He is committed to serving communities right across the country and I am very much looking forward to continuing to work with Paul into the future and wish him the best in his role as Deputy Commissioner”.
