Appointments to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and 4 Registration Boards it oversees:

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD has appointed/reappointed the following persons as members of the Health and Social Care Professionals Council and the Registration Boards it oversees

Michael O’Keeffe

Michael O’Keeffe works in the Health Service Executive (HSE) as Head of Finance in Community Health Organisation – Dublin North City and County. Michael has worked in the public health service in various finance roles for 19 years and prior to that held a number of senior finance positions in the private sector. He has financial and operational management experience across a range of different business sectors. Michael has extensive experience in the areas of business planning, finance business partnering, financial systems, financial governance, change management, financial business modelling, strategic financial management and financial performance monitoring and reporting. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Cork and an MBA in Health Services Management from University College Dublin.

Michael O’Keeffe is reappointed with effect from 6 May 2025 until 20 March 2029.

John Hennessy

John Hennessy is a native of West Cork, residing in Clonakilty. His career has spanned almost 40 years in Irish healthcare management at local, regional and National Director level, which included a five-year period as a member of the HSE Directorate. John holds an honours degree in Health Management, a diploma in Corporate Governance and has extensive experience encompassing a wide range of healthcare sectors, including Welfare Services & Social Care, Acute Hospitals and Primary Care/Community Services.

John Hennessy is reappointed with the consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment with effect from 6 May 2025 until 20 March 2029.

Andrew Conlon-Trant

Andrew Conlan-Trant is Chairman of Dublin Business School, having spent the eight years prior to that as President of the College. He is also Vice President of International Business Development for Kaplan International, a global education and training company. Having held leadership positions in a number of businesses over his career, Andrew has skill and experience in leadership, governance, strategy and operational implementation, some of which was gained in the health and social care sector. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Higher Diploma in Education from UCG, and a Masters in Management from QUB. He is currently studying to become a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors.

Andrew Conlon-Trant is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with effect from 21 March 2025 until 20 March 2029.

Dr. Nigel McKelvey

Dr. Nigel McKelvey is the Head of the Department of Early Education and Social Studies at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal. With a unique academic background that bridges technology and education, he holds an undergraduate degree in Computing and a PhD in Education from Queen's University Belfast. Dr. McKelvey is dedicated to advancing innovative practices in education, with a particular focus on integrating digital tools and methodologies to enrich teaching and learning experiences. His interdisciplinary expertise shapes his leadership at ATU Donegal, where he champions initiatives that support early education, social care, and inclusive learning environments. Known for his collaborative approach, Dr. McKelvey works closely with faculty and students to foster a forward-thinking academic culture that embraces diversity and encourages critical thinking. His contributions extend beyond academia, as he actively engages with educational policy, university governance and development projects to improve educational standards across Ireland. Dr. Nigel McKelvey demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing social care quality assurance and governance. With extensive expertise in educational and social care systems, he has been pivotal in promoting evidence-based practices and robust oversight frameworks to enhance programme delivery at ATU Donegal. His work emphasises the importance of accountability, ethical standards, and continuous improvement to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable populations.

Dr. Nigel McKelvey is appointed following nomination by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (FHERIS). This appointment is with effect from 9 April 2025 until 20 March 2029.

Dr. Joseph Dowling

Dr. Joseph Dowling has over 30 years’ experience in Research & Development, mainly in regulated industry. He is the inventor on four granted patents and the author on several peer reviewed papers. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland, Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (Chartered Chemist and European Chemist designations) and of the Society of Chemical Industry (currently secretary of the All Ireland Group). Joseph lives in Waterford and is on the board of a heritage railway. He has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from University College Dublin and has completed the Advanced Management Program in the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania along with other business qualifications.

Dr. Joseph Dowling is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with effect from 21 March 2025 until 20 March 2029.

Ruairí McKiernan

Ruairí McKiernan is an award-winning social innovator, charity founder, accredited psychotherapist, and bestselling author. He founded SpunOut, a pioneering national youth organisation, and is a respected advocate for mental health and social change. A Fulbright scholar and former presidential appointee to the Council of State, he currently serves as CEO of the Irish Development Education Association (IDEA).

Ruairí McKiernan is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with effect from 21 March 2025 until 20 March 2029.

Jackie Bonfield

Jackie Bonfield is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the community and social care sector, most recently including 10 years as CEO of Mid-West Simon Community CLG. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder collaboration, successfully expanding social care services and implementing innovative programs across the Mid-West Region. Jackie has also contributed her skills at the governance level, serving on the boards of national and local charities including Simon Communities of Ireland and the Irish Council for Social Housing. She holds a Bachelor of Business Studies, a Postgraduate Degree in Executive Management, and is a qualified Accountant. Jackie is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.

Jackie Bonfield is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with effect from 21 March 2025 until 20 March 2029.

Lucia Crimin

Lucia Crimin is an experienced regulatory practitioner and senior public servant having held several senior roles in a number of statutory regulators since 2010. These include the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland and the Residential Tenancies Board. Lucia has a BSc(Pharmacy) and practised as a registered pharmacist in Ireland from 2002 to 2010. She also holds an MBA and a Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance.

Lucia Crimin is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with effect from 6 March 2025 until 20 March 2027.

Martina Ryan

Ms Martina Ryan is currently employed as a physiotherapy manager in an acute hospital, delivering in both clinical and administrative roles. She has several years of experience working in the regulatory environment, having completed terms of office on two separate CORU registration boards. Post-graduate qualifications in both health service management and leadership have supported her personal and professional journeys through the healthcare system, including her regulatory roles in CORU.

Martina Ryan is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with effect from 25 February 2025 until 24 February 2029.

Shane Kelly

Shane Kelly qualified as a General Nurse in 1994. Since then, he has held several clinical and management positions in the hospital and community sectors. In the last 16 years he has owned and operated two nursing homes which he has now sold. Shane holds a HDip & BSc in Nursing, MSc in Healthcare Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Corporate Governance and has recently been awarded a Fellowship of the RCSI. He has strong experience of operating within highly regulated and patient focused industries.

Shane Kelly is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with the consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. This appointment is with effect from 25 February 2025 until 24 February 2029.

Professor Ciara Heavin

Professor Ciara Heavin is a Professor of Business Information Systems at Cork University Business School, University College Cork, Ireland. Her research focuses on opportunities for using information systems (IS) in the global healthcare ecosystem and in digital transformation. Professor Heavin has directed funded research in the investigation, development, and implementation of innovative technology solutions in the healthcare domain. She has published articles in several top international IS journals and conference proceedings. Professor Heavin has coauthored three books with Daniel J. Power: Decision Support, Analytics, and Business Intelligence, Data-Based Decision Making and Digital Transformation, and Becoming Agile.

Professor Ciara Heavin is appointed following nomination by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (FHERIS). This appointment is with effect from 9 April 2025 until 24 February 2029.

Donal Keane

Mr. Donal Keane is Chief Operations Officer at Taighde Eireann – Research Ireland, the largest competitive research funding agency of the Government of Ireland, with an annual budget of €335m. In his role he has responsibility for Financial Control, Information Technology, Research Policy, Facilities and Data Protection. Previously he has held senior management positions at IADT Dun Laoghaire, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda, GE Capital and Wang Finance in Dublin and Toronto, Canada. Mr Keane holds a Batchelor of Commerce degree from UCD and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.

Donal Keane is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with the consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. This appointment is with effect from 6 March 2025 until 10 February 2027.

Linda Fitzharris

Linda Fitzharris qualified as a pharmacist having studied at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and is registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland since 2010. Prior to this, Linda qualified with a degree in Biochemistry from Trinity College Dublin. She also holds a Master’s in Pharmacy from RCSI and a Master’s in Nutrition, Food and Health from University College Dublin. Linda is currently the Head of Pharmacy Function in the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) which is responsible for making payments to healthcare professionals for the free or reduced costs services they provide to the public.

At present, Linda sits on several governance committees and expert groups on behalf of the HSE PCRS. Her experience of direct patient care in the community setting during her time as a Community Pharmacist, along with the practical knowledge and skills developed during her career, have provided her with understanding of healthcare in Ireland. Linda has a strong passion for developing others and ensuring policies and procedures are adhered to at all levels.

Linda Fitzharris is reappointed with effect from 8 March 2025 until 7 March 2029.

Jason O’Regan

Jason O’Regan is the National Risk Manager for Cheshire Ireland, with experience in the voluntary health and social care sector. He focuses on risk management, ensuring compliance with national standards and creating safe, inclusive environments that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence.

Jason O’Regan is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign with effect from 6 March 2025 until 10 February 2027.

Dr. Mairead Cahill

Dr. Mairead Cahill is an Associate Professor in Occupational Therapy at the University of Limerick and has worked in various roles educating and training students and qualified occupational therapists at the university for over eighteen years. She qualified as an Occupational Therapist from Trinity College Dublin (BSc) in 1997 and gained an MSc from Trinity College Dublin in 2006. She graduated with a PhD from the University of Limerick in 2023. Prior to her current lecturing position, Dr. Cahill worked as a Practice Education Co-Ordinator at the University of Limerick for over a decade and as a University-based Regional Placement Facilitator since 2006. In these roles, she has developed a range of professional knowledge and valuable experience. In her various academic roles, she developed effective decision-making skills and the ability to identify solutions to complex problems using sound and analytical thinking. As a practice education coordinator, she developed the ability to objectively view challenges and identify solutions through working with a variety of stakeholders (practice educators and occupational therapy students) understanding that decisions made had the potential to impact different stakeholders. Dr. Cahill has participated in three full OT CORU accreditation visits and over the past 18 months have attended other disciplines' CORU accreditation visits at the university due to her role leading an interprofessional preparation for practice module for students of occupational therapy, physiotherapy, human nutrition and dietetics and speech and language therapy. Prior to working at UL, she gained clinical OT experience in acute and rehabilitation settings (physical disability) in Ireland and the UK.

Dr. Mairead Cahill is appointed following nomination by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (FHERIS). This appointment is with effect from 9 April 2025 until 4 August 2028.

Ms Norma Judge

Ms Norma Judge has practised as an optometrist since 1991 in Ireland and 1997 in the UK. She was conferred with the degree of Barrister at Law by the Kings Inns in 1999 and has practised at the Bar of Ireland since 2000. Norma is an experienced barrister in general practice with an emphasis on technology, media and internet law. In 2019, she was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland and in 2020 to the Bar of England and Wales.

Norma is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh (L.LM. Innovation, Technology & the Law) and the University of Strathclyde (L.LM. IT & Internet Law). She has extensive board and committee level experience with a particular focus on regulatory and professional standards. She was a member of the Irish Optical Registration Board 2014 – 2018 and the Registration and Recognition Committee of CORU Council 2015 – 2022.

Norma Judge is appointed following a Public Jobs campaign and is with the consent of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment. This appointment is with effect from 9 April 2025 until 15 October 2028.