Doncha O’Sullivan appointed Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
- Foilsithe: 14 Aibreán 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 14 Aibreán 2026
Minister Jim O’Callaghan, today announced the appointment of Mr. Doncha O’Sullivan as Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. This follows a competition undertaken by Public Jobs on behalf of the Top Level Appointments Commission.
Minister O’Callaghan said:
"I am very pleased that Government has today appointed Doncha O’Sullivan as Secretary General of the Department of Justice. Doncha has dedicated his career to the work of this department and the wider justice sector and is strongly placed to lead the department in the coming years.
"As Deputy Secretary General for Civil Justice, including Immigration, he has led the development of strategy and reform across the sector, promoting access to justice and progressing the Government’s legislative programme. He has overseen key policy and legislative measures in relation to immigration, working closely with partners across Government and wider stakeholder groups. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our ambitious programme of work.
"I look forward to continuing to work with Doncha in his new role and wish him every success.’’
Minister O’Callaghan also congratulated outgoing Secretary General Oonagh McPhillips on her retirement and thanked her for her service to the country over her 41-year career.
The Minister added:
"I want to take this opportunity to commend Oonagh’s strong leadership and exemplary commitment to the Department, which she has demonstrated over her many years of dedicated public service.
“Oonagh became Secretary General during a key period following a significant restructuring within the Department. Based on the extensive experience and expertise developed during her long career within the justice sector, she has focused throughout her term as Secretary General on further strengthening the capacity of the Department to deliver, across the breadth of its responsibilities, on its vision for a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.
“Oonagh has prioritised, throughout her career, the interests of the people of this country, truly embodying the spirit of public service. I wish her all the best for the future in her retirement."
ENDS...///
Notes to editors
Doncha O’Sullivan
Doncha O’Sullivan has been appointed as the next Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. He will take up his role on Monday April 20.
In his role as Deputy Secretary for Civil Justice, Doncha led the development, implementation, and critical review of policies and programmes in the areas of immigration, international protection, civil law reform, and access to justice. He also oversaw the management of the Department’s relationship with a range of civil justice agencies under the aegis of the Department, including the Courts Service and the Legal Aid Board.
His career in the Department of Justice has included senior management roles as Head of Corporate and of Civil Justice Governance. He has also worked across Criminal Policy, Policing, Prisons and EU Affairs.
Doncha holds an MEconSc (IPA/Trinity), a BA in Law (DIT), and a BA in Economics and History (UCC). He grew up in Cork City.