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The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald,
T.D., has expressed her sadness at the passing of Mr Dermot Gallagher.

The Tánaiste said:

While Dermot will be remembered primarily for his invaluable contribution
to the cause of peace on this island, on his retirement as Secretary
General of the Department of Foreign Affairs he continued his very
distinguished career of public service by serving for a number of years as
Chairperson of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. He combined a deep
respect for An Garda Síochána with a determination that all who served in
it should live up to its highest standards.

Dermot worked very closely with the Department of Justice and Equality
during the peace process and he will be remembered with great fondness as a
deeply cherished and trusted colleague.

I hope that at this difficult time for his family and friends they will be
able to take some comfort from the high esteem in which he was so widely
held and the great progress facilitated by his untiring commitment to bring
peace to the people on this island.