Canadian House of Commons Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers, who has been praised for stopping a gunman at the country's parliament, has been named as the next Canadian Ambassador to Ireland.

Mr Vickers, who has Irish ancestors, shot the lone gunman, named as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, who had killed a Canadian reservist and stormed Parliament Hill's Centre Block last October.

The position of ambassador has been vacant since last August. Former Canadian cabinet minister Loyola Hearn had held it until then.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan confirmed the appointment this evening, saying he believed Mr Vickers would be "an excellent ambassador and a great friend of Ireland during his time with us".

Mr Flanagan said he will speak with Canadian Minister for Foreign Affairs John Baird this evening to "formally convey the Government’s decision".

Mr Vickers, 58, received a standing ovation that lasted two-and-a-half-minutes and was hailed as a hero in parliament the day after the attack.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper concluded his speech by thanking Mr Vickers for his bravery and crossing the room to shake his hand.

Mr Vickers has shied away from publicity since the incident and refused to take credit for his actions.

"The incident that occurred on October 22nd was magnificently handled by a complete team effort ... This is not about me. This is about House of Commons security service and their collective effort," he told Canadian reporters recently.

The sergeant-at-arms is responsible for security of the parliamentary precinct and those who work there, including, controlling access to the House of Commons.

The job is also ceremonial, requiring him to lead MPs into the House of Commons at each sitting with a heavy gold mace, the symbol of the Queen's authority on his shoulder.

Before joining the Commons as director of security operations in 2005, Mr Vickers served with the RCMP for 29 years.

Mr Harper today said that Mr Vickers' "extensive experience working with parliament, as well as his bravery and integrity, will serve to deepen close bilateral relations between Canada and Ireland in the years ahead".

He said that Mr Vickers had shown "profound leadership and dedication to the security of Canada and its national institutions".