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 Micheál 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.
Dr Holohan, who has been in the role for 14 years, said it was a 'great privilege' to serve in the position, adding that he was very excited by the new opportunity.
DCU health systems professor, Anthony Staines, says the timing isn't ideal:
"I think in some ways it's an unfortunate way for him to end his career. It's been the most horrendous two years for Tony, as for everyone else in the Health Service. And in some ways it's a pity he's gone now. We're coming back into higher case numbers/ We're going to need continuing public health input at a very senior level and it's obviously throwing that role open."
