Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan has announced the appointment of Chief Supt Nóirín O'Sullivan to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, writes Conor Lally, Crime Correspondent
Ms O'Sullivan is the second woman to reach the position of Assistant Commissioner, the third most senior rank in the force.
The first woman to be appointed was current Assistant Commissioner Catherine Clancy, who is in charge of human resources.
There are currently nine Assistant Commissioners, under three Deputy Commissioners and the Garda Commissioner.
Ms O'Sullivan takes up her new position on July 31st. She will take over responsibility for the Western Region from Assistant Commissioner Gerry Kelly, who is retiring from the force next week.
Mr Lenihan yesterday thanked Mr Kelly for his "outstanding contribution" to the Garda. He also offered his congratulations to Ms O'Sullivan, whose appointment was "a significant achievement".
Ms O'Sullivan is from Dublin and has been a member of the Garda since 1981. She has worked in various stations in Dublin and Tipperary.
Ms O'Sullivan has spent time assigned to the Garda National Drugs Unit, Garda Headquarters and most recently, the Garda Technical Bureau.