The Government has designated Justin Kelly, the Assistant Garda Commissioner, as the deputy chief of the force, bringing an end to a protracted process plagued by top-level pension disputes. Mr Kelly, who currently spearheads operations related to organised crime and State Security, will assume the role of Deputy Commissioner for Operations, effectively taking charge of the daily management of An Garda Síochána.
The quest to fill the position of new deputy commissioner – reckoned to be the country’s most sensitive security appointment – has been in progress for about a year. The majority of high-ranking Gardaí declined to apply due to fears of being hit with sizable tax liabilities if chosen.
Senior members of the Gardaí expressed concerns about potentially hefty tax obligations under existing pension laws – with the current assistant commissioners potentially facing up to €300,000 on retirement, and deputy commissioners an even steeper €500,000.
These regulations, established since 2014, mandate civil servants to pay tax on their pensions worth over €2 million. This tax applies to the full pension, including the initial lump sum payment.
However, the issue found resolution at the eleventh hour in August, when several assistant commissioner-ranked Gardaí submitted their applications, reassured that the pension predicament would be addressed by upcoming legislation.
The Cabinet gave the green light to Mr Kelly’s appointment on Tuesday. Justice Minister Helen McEntee hailed the appointment, noting that Mr Kelly “has spearheaded the battle against organised and grave crime in his capacity as Assistant Commissioner over the past couple of years.” She also pointed out how Mr Kelly has propelled An Garda Síochána’s abilities and international collaborations to tackle drug trafficking and organised crime, cyber and economic crime, as well as giving appropriate attention to crimes against vulnerable individuals and victim support.
Commissioner Drew Harris lauded Mr Kelly, stating that his extensive policing expertise and in-depth understanding of An Garda Síochána will greatly benefit his new role.
Mr Kelly’s professional journey is punctuated with several strategic leadership roles, among which include leading the Special Detective Unit – the main anti-terrorism division of the Garda, as well as the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.
In the last few years, he has established considerable international connections with a goal to apprehend Irish organised criminals such as members of the Kinahan gang, ensuring their repatriation to Ireland for trial.
Mr Kelly embarked on his Garda journey in 1992, exhibiting swift progress through the ranks. It is generally believed that he was the top preference for many high-ranking Garda officials. With the Commissioner, Mr Harris, planning to retire in the early part of the forthcoming year, Mr Kelly is widely expected to be a front-runner for the position.