DREW Harris can remain as Garda Commissioner until September 2025 after he was granted a two-year extension.
The extension was approved by the Irish Cabinet yesterday morning.
Mr Harris had been tipped as among the contenders for the next Metropolitan Police commissioner in London after Cressida Dick announced her resignation last week.
By September 2025 Mr Harris will be 60, which is the mandatory retirement age for all gardaí at the rank of assistant commissioner and higher.
He joined An Garda Síochána on a five year €250,000 per annum contract in 2018, which was due to expire next year.
Mr Harris is the first person to be appointed as Garda Commissioner from outside the force.
He previously served as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said Mr Harris had done "an exemplary job since he was appointed in September 2018".
"As well as his role in leading our national policing and security service, the Commissioner has introduced very significant reforms and driven the ongoing programme of reform in An Garda Síochána," she said.
Ms McEntee said the force, which is rolling out a new operating model, is entering "a critical phase".
"The extension of the commissioner’s term of office will bring a welcome clarity and continuity of leadership to An Garda Síochána through the vital period ahead," she said.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the commissioner over the coming years."
