The Department of Health confirms that Secretary General Robert Watt approved the appointment of Dr. Tony Holohan signed to be a professor at Trinity

The Department of Health has confirmed that its Secretary General, Robert Watt, has accepted the controversial decision to appoint Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan signed as a professor at Trinity College.

After days of refusing to answer the question, the department announced today that the decision to retain Dr. Allowing Holohan to remain an employee of the department and his salary of €187,000 while he transitions to an academic role in the Trinity department was fine at a high level to show innovation and lead by example.

“All staffing arrangements are the responsibility of the Secretary-General.

“In making the arrangements in this regard, the Ministry has taken into account the general principles of the public service posting policy, which apply to postings within the public service. This policy provides for specific sectoral secondment agreements to be made.”

dr Earlier today, Holohan said he will not be stepping down from his role as chief medical officer but will be stepping down from his duties.

He is due to become a professor of health strategy and leadership at Trinity College in July.

In making arrangements in this regard, the Ministry has taken into account the general principles of posting policy for the public service, which apply to postings within the public service. This policy provides for provision to be made for the sectoral secondment of specialists.

It works to develop the public health capacity for the future. While Ireland has performed well in many aspects of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is room for our capacity to develop in this regard.

“The third tier sector will play a key role in providing thought leadership, critical analysis, research and the development of knowledge and skills to better support public health leadership, policy making and public health practice .”

“Dr. Holohan is taking on the Professorship of Public Health Strategy & Leadership at Trinity College Dublin to nurture this potential. In particular, the department intends that Dr. Holohan leads the development and activities of inter-agency collaboration between universities and the health sector and builds stronger links with WHO and EU agencies.

“This secondment to Trinity College Dublin means that Dr. Holohan has agreed to step down from his role as Chief Medical Officer; It is not the intention of Dr. Holohan to return to this role at some point in the future.”

Arrangements are made between the department and Trinity College to fund the position.

“It’s important to note that Dr. Holohan will not receive any change in compensation or financial benefit as a result of this Agreement.

“The role of CMO will be filled as is usual for posts at this level, subject to the appropriate approval of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

“It is expected that there will then be open competition for a new appointment to the role of CMO under the auspices of the Public Appointments Service and the Top-Level Appointments Committee (TLAC).”