Taoiseach pays tribute to Dr Tony Holohan as he steps down as HSE Chief Medical Officer

He is leaving the health service to take up a role with Trinity College Dublin.

Taking to social media, the Taoiseach thanked him for his service during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Thank you @CMOIreland Tony Holohan for your outstanding service to the Irish people, during the pandemic, and over 21 years in the CMO office.”

“Your dedication, and steadfast advice was crucial to Ireland’s response, and saved lives.”

He then wished him “every success” in his new role.

Minister Simon Donnelly said: “Throughout his time as CMO, Tony has used his public health leadership ability, alongside his many other skills and insights, to inform and influence decisions at the highest level in order to protect public health.

“Throughout the pandemic his invaluable advice to me, and to the Government has shaped our response to Covid-19, and I witnessed first-hand his unwavering dedication to protecting the health of the people of Ireland.”

Adding: “He will play a critical role in applying his knowledge and skills to the development of the next generation of thinking and practice in public health, and I wish Tony all the best in this new and exciting chapter in his career.”

Dr Holohan will start his new position as Professor of Public Health Strategy and Leadership at Trinity College Dublin on July 1st.

Announcing his resignation, he said: “It has been a great privilege for me to serve as Chief Medical Officer and to have had an opportunity to be directly involved in issues of great importance and relevance to the health of the people of Ireland.”

“In particular, these past two years have presented extreme challenges to public health globally and I have been honoured to work alongside exceptional colleagues in the Department of Health, the HSE, the wider health service and across Government.

“During this time, I have witnessed the dedication of colleagues to protecting the health and wellbeing of people across Ireland.”

It’s understood the HSE will open a competition to fill the role as Deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn will take over the position until a replacement is secured.