Tony Holohan To Step Down As Chief Medical Officer

The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan is to step down from his role.

He has been appointed as a Professor of Public Health Strategy and Leadership at Trinity College Dublin, and will take up the role on July 1st.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin paid tribute to the outgoing CMO, saying his "professionalism, and calm and personable nature" gave us all the assurance they needed during the pandemic.

"I would like to sincerely thank Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan today as he prepares to step down after more than two decades of outstanding and dedicated service to the people of Ireland in the field of public health," he said.

"His steadfast assured advice, and willingness to communicate over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly helped saved lives, and kept Ireland safe during an exceptionally challenging two years."

24/08/2021 Covid-19 Pandemic (Coronavirus), Ireland. Day 517 since start of lockdown. Day 107 of eased restrictions. Pictured today in the Department of Health is Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, as he delivers the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Press Briefing. Photograph: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

Dr Holohan was appointed as Deputy Chief Medical Officer in 2001, before taking the CMO position in 2008

"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."