The Policing and Community Safety Authority is deeply saddened to learn of the death of its former Member, Ken O’Leary.
Ken served as a member of the Authority from its establishment in April 2025 until resignation in August due to ill health. He played an important role in the formative months of the new Authority, bringing exceptional judgment, a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of legislation and public administration.
Over the course of a distinguished career in public service, Ken worked across a wide range of areas, including prisons, law reform, crime and security, and served as Deputy Secretary, Criminal Justice at the Department of Justice. That breadth of experience, together with his integrity and commitment to public service, brought considerable insight to the work of the PCSA as it established its new statutory role.
Ken made an important contribution to laying the foundations of the PCSA. The Authority was fortunate to benefit from his experience during the 17 months he served.
Elaine Byrne, Chairperson of the Policing and Community Safety Authority, said:
“Ken brought exceptional judgment, integrity and wisdom to the work of the Authority. He had an extraordinary ability to get to the heart of an issue, to challenge our thinking constructively and always to keep sight of the wider public interest. His counsel and support were invaluable to me personally, and I learned a great deal from the way he approached difficult questions with rigour, perspective and humanity.
“Ken made an enduring contribution to the establishment of the PCSA and to public service more broadly. He will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of working with him.”
The Authority and PCSA Executive extend their deepest sympathies to Ken’s family and many friends.