Minister Foley welcomes the appointment of Bernie McNally as the new Secretary General of the Department of Education
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From: Department of Education
- Published on: 15 February 2022
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, following government approval today, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernie McNally as Secretary General of the Department of Education.
Bernie McNally is currently serving as an Assistant Secretary with responsibility for the Disability and Youth Division in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Over the course of her career in the civil and public service she has worked in a number of government departments and offices, including in the Department of Health and as Director of the Office of the Ombudsman and Information Commissioner, as well as in the health services.
Minister Foley said:
“I am delighted to have received government approval today for the appointment of Bernie McNally to the role of Secretary General of the Department of Education.
“This is a vitally important role in the education sector, providing leadership to meet the challenges that we face in delivering a high-quality education system to all, from children in early years settings through our students’ journeys in primary and post-primary education. The Secretary General’s leadership is pivotal in ensuring the achievement of our ambitions across the department and the education sector, as we support our school communities and I am confident that Bernie will excel in this task.
“I would like to also pay tribute to Seán Ó Foghlú, who will complete his ten-year term of office as Secretary General this week. Seán’s stewardship of the department through a time of reform and through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic has been exemplary, and has been crucial to delivering the supports required to our school system. I would like to thank him wholeheartedly for his commitment and dedication to his role throughout his term of office.
“As Secretary General of the Department of Education, Bernie will lead a team of committed and dedicated public servants, delivering on our vision of an education system where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential. I wish her every success in this role and look forward to working closely with her to achieve this vision.”
Notes
Bernie McNally was appointed following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service and the Top Level Appointments Committee.
Ms McNally will take up the position as Secretary General of the Department of Education commencing next week.