![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/paula_hilman.png\")
A police officer from the North has been appointed to a senior role in An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na, marking another \u201csignificant milestone\u201d, the Justice Minister has said.<\/p>\nA police officer from the North has been appointed to a senior role in An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na, marking another \u201csignificant milestone\u201d, the Justice Minister has said.<\/p>\n
PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman was unveiled as an Assistant Commissioner, the first time an officer from Northern Ireland has taken on the role.<\/p>\n
The Policing Authority appointed two PSNI officers to senior roles in the garda\u00ed.<\/p>\n
Stephen McCauley, who is currently serving as a Detective Chief Inspector in the PSNI, is now a new Superintendent in the Irish force.<\/p>\n
In 2018, former PSNI officer Drew Harris was appointed as the Garda Commissioner. He became the first Irish police chief appointed from outside the Republic.<\/p>\n
The Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan brought a memo before this week\u2019s Cabinet meeting proposing Government approval for the Policing Authority\u2019s proposals.<\/p>\n
As both Ms Hilman and Mr McCauley were members of the PSNI, Government approval was needed under the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na Act 2005.<\/p>\n
Mr Flanagan said: \u201cI warmly welcome the appointment of Paula Hilman as Assistant Commissioner.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a significant milestone, representing the first time a member of the PSNI will be appointed to the rank of Assistant Commissioner.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs Hilman has over 30 years policing experience and will undoubtedly bring valuable expertise to her new role, at a time of significant change in An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also welcome the fact that the appointment of both Anne Marie Cagney and Paula Hilman as Assistant Commissioners will further expand the number of women at senior ranks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important that An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na reflects the community that it serves and \u2013 61 years after women were first admitted to the organisation \u2013 it is not past time that we are moving towards a more equal representation of women in the most senior leadership positions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn recent years a small number of PSNI officers have similarly been appointed as Superintendents in An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na. I wish Stephen McCauley well in his new position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am encouraged to see that it continues to be the case that well-qualified and experienced officers from the PSNI are taking part in competitions to join (the garda\u00ed).<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a growing organisation that has expanded significantly in recent years, An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na is becoming increasingly diverse and this is a welcome development because it reflects the society in which our garda\u00ed carry out their important work so effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n