Source: Government of Ireland
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has today announced the appointment of Derek Tierney as the new Secretary General of the Department of Health, following approval by the Government.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
Derek Tierney is currently Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Health where he leads out on Health Infrastructure, advancing Digital Health and the coordination of the Sláintecare Reform agenda. Prior to that he served as Programme Director in the Government’s Covid-19 Vaccination Taskforce. He has held senior roles across the Justice and Transport sectors and central Government with responsibility for large scale programmes, reform delivery, system governance and whole of Government responses. Before moving into the Civil Service, he has also held senior roles in a commercial transport semi state and the private sector working in pharmaceutical, computer and telecoms industries.
The period ahead presents important strategic and operational challenges for Ireland’s public health service. These include improving access to services and patient outcomes, strengthening integrated care through the Health Regions while enhancing productivity and value for money within available resources. Rising demand driven by population change and workforce pressures will also shape the service’s priorities with a focus on progressing Sláintecare reforms to deliver better, faster and future ready care in the coming period. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2026, and the preparations for and execution of this responsibility will be a significant focus.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
Minister Carroll MacNeill continued:
The appointment follows a competition undertaken by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Top Level Appointments Commission (TLAC).
In accordance with TLAC arrangements for Secretaries General the appointment is for a seven-year term.