Appointments to the Podiatrists Registration Board:

The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD has appointed the following persons as members to the Podiatrists Registration Board.

John Conway

Mr John Conway is a graduate of the University of Brighton (BSc. Podiatry). He is an experienced podiatrist with many years working across busy private practices and a range of clinical settings. He has developed a broad and practical skillset through his work in a variety of healthcare environments. John played a key role in the establishment of the podiatry programme at NUI Galway, the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland. He is supportive of the expansion of the scope of podiatry practice in Ireland. He remains committed to advancing the profession through education, collaboration, and high standards of patient care.

William Ring

Mr William Ring is an experienced disability services leader with a strong background in operational management, service development and strategic planning across healthcare and community services in Ireland. He has led initiatives focused on person-centred supports, quality improvement and inclusive practice. William is committed to strengthening services and partnerships that promote independence, participation and wellbeing for people with disabilities and older persons

Seán Ó’Dubhlaing

Mr Seán Ó’Dubhlaing is an outgoing elected member of the Teaching Council of Ireland involved in financial oversight, vetting regulation and registration of Irish registered teachers. He has worked extensively for 38 years in primary education, special needs education, public administration, trade unions, and community/sports/voluntary organisations at national, regional and local levels. Seán has researched and graduated from; University College, Dublin, Dublin City University, and National University Ireland, Maynooth in Education, Leadership, Regulation, Vetting, Financial Governance, and Data Protection and post-retirement he plans to study Audit and Risk Compliance and Cybersecurity. He practises and advocates for lifelong learning, personally and professionally.

Ruth Fitzmaurice

Ms Ruth Fitzmaurice is an experienced administrator and corporate governance professional with a strong background in financial and regulatory compliance. She is a former Vice-Chair of the HSE National Patient and Service User Forum and is the Chair of the Wexford Disabled Persons Organisation. A dedicated advocate for both able-bodied and disabled patients, Ruth sits on several Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) panels. She brings a wealth of experience in objective oversight and a commitment to representing the public interest in health and social care regulation.

The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD has re-appointed the following person as a member to the Podiatrists Registration Board.

Suzanne McCarthy

Dr Suzanne McCarthy is a dedicated researcher and senior lecturer at the School of Pharmacy, University College Cork (UCC). With over 17 years of experience in pharmacy education and research, she has made significant contributions to the fields of pharmacovigilance, patient safety, and patient care. Dr. McCarthy holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. She has secured substantial research funding, including over €4 million in grants, and is a sought-after speaker at international conferences. Her research focuses on patient safety, human factors and mental health, with a focus on the patient experience.