The head of the Department of Justice — one of the most powerful positions in the State — is to have a new boss. The vacancy at secretary general comes as the current incumbent — Oonagh McPhillips — is retiring and is due to leave the post in April. The full title of the department is the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration and covers a wide area that has expanded further in recent years. The department has also extended its national security responsibilities with the transfer of the National Cyber Security Centre and related civil service sections from the Department of Communications. The garda commissioner reports to the minister of justice through the secretary general and there is constant communication between the police chief and the secretary general.

Source: Irish Examiner January 27, 2026 21:09 UTC