Appointments/reappointments to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council:

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

Ms Michelle Darcy

Michelle Darcy has 18 years’ clinical practice as an occupational therapist, primarily in mental health settings. A graduate of BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy from Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Michelle has also completed a Level 9 certificate in Health Project Management from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and a Level 8 certificate in Cooperative Learning Leadership Programme from Dublin City University (DCU). She has a particular interest and experience in change management in healthcare, collective leadership and the centrality of the lived experience voice in service design. She has worked as acting Occupational Therapy Manager at intervals over several years and has contributed to the profession at national level including delivery of the HSE Professional Supervision Programme for Supervisors (HSCPs).

Ms Michelle Darcy is nominated by Occupational Therapists Registration Board and appointed by the Minister for Health with effect from 21 October 2025 until 29 May 2027.

Ms Kendal Hinds

Ms Kendal Hinds graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2018 and began her career in Scotland. During this time she specialised in glaucoma services and completed a PgCert in Primary Care ophthalmology at the University of Edinburgh. In 2021, Kendal relocated to Dublin and currently works across CHO9 and the Mater Hospital. Kendal is actively involved in mentoring newly qualified staff and student orthoptists. She serves as the Irish representative in the BIOS education and professional development committee. Kendal is currently pursuing a masters in Healthcare Project Management, further strengthening her expertise and commitment to advancing patient care and professional development.

Ms Kendal Hinds is appointed following a publicjobs campaign with effect from 23 October 2025 until 22 October 2029.

Dr Paula M. O'Shea

Dr Paula M. O'Shea is a consultant clinical biochemist with over 30 years’ experience in clinical laboratory science, methodologies, practice, interpretation & research, resource & personnel management, risk analysis, health & safety, professionalism and ISO standards in medical testing laboratories.

Dr Paula M. O'Shea is reappointed by the Minister for Health with effect from the 23 October 2025 until 22 October 2029.

Dr Joanna Fortune

Dr Joanna Fortune is a psychotherapist, supervisor, trainer and clinical consultant with over 25 years’ experience working in the field of mental health. She is the author of four books in this field and a featured author in three other books. She is a regular media contributor on topics related to mental health and is a recognised event/conference speaker in this field both in Ireland and internationally. Dr Fortune works clinically with adults but specialises in child and adolescent mental health, with a particular interest in dyadic (caregiver-child) psychotherapy.

Joanna Fortune is nominated by the Counsellors and Psychotherapists Registration Board and appointed by the Minister for Health with effect from 4 December 2025 until 24 February 2029.

Ms Niamh Moore

Niamh Moore is a lecturer in diagnostic radiography at University College Cork with over 20 years of clinical experience. She holds an MSc in CT, a Certificate in teaching and learning, and is currently pursuing a PhD in radiography, alongside an active research profile with numerous publications and conference presentations. Niamh serves as Chairperson of the Radiographers Registration Board and CORU Council representative, bringing extensive expertise in clinical practice, education, and regulatory standards.

Niamh Moore is reappointed following nomination by the Radiographers Registration Board (RRB) with effect from 1 March 2026 until 23 January 2028.