Appointment of Secretary General of the Department of Health
-
From: Department of Health
- Published on: 14 April 2026
- Last updated on: 14 April 2026
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has today announced the appointment of Derek Tierney as the new Secretary General of the Department of Health, following approval by the Government.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“I am delighted to welcome Derek Tierney as Secretary General of my Department. Derek brings a wealth of experience from across the health service, particularly in the delivery of major infrastructure and capacity projects that are essential to the future of our services. He has demonstrated a strong track record in translating strategic investment into real, tangible improvements for patients.”
Derek Tierney is currently Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Health where he leads out on Health Infrastructure, advancing Digital Health and the coordination of the Sláintecare Reform agenda. Prior to that he served as Programme Director in the Government’s Covid-19 Vaccination Taskforce. He has held senior roles across the Justice and Transport sectors and central Government with responsibility for large scale programmes, reform delivery, system governance and whole of Government responses. Before moving into the Civil Service, he has also held senior roles in a commercial transport semi state and the private sector working in pharmaceutical, computer and telecoms industries.
The period ahead presents important strategic and operational challenges for Ireland’s public health service. These include improving access to services and patient outcomes, strengthening integrated care through the Health Regions while enhancing productivity and value for money within available resources. Rising demand driven by population change and workforce pressures will also shape the service’s priorities with a focus on progressing Sláintecare reforms to deliver better, faster and future ready care in the coming period. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2026, and the preparations for and execution of this responsibility will be a significant focus.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“At a time when expanding capacity is critical, his leadership will ensure we build the facilities and systems patients and our workforce needs for the future. The next phase of health reform will require a continued focus on aligning capacity investment and reform with demographic demand, clinical priorities and system performance. I look forward to working with Derek and the team at the Department of Health to build a service that is responsive to the issues we face today and resilient for what will come tomorrow.”
Minister Carroll MacNeill continued:
"I wish to acknowledge the excellent leadership and dedication shown by Robert Watt over his time in the Department of Health. When I took up the position of Minister for Health last year, it was clear to see the very real impact Robert had, not just on the Department which he has led so professionally, but also on the wider health service. The many reforms Robert put in place - most notably advancing Sláintecare, workforce changes including the Public Only Consultant Contract, expansion of medical trainee places and the introduction of the Common Conditions Service to our Pharmacies - have made a real difference in improving care for patients closer to home. We are better positioned to meet the challenges we face every day in our health service and that’s thanks to his commitment to public service and improving health outcomes across the country.”
Notes:
The appointment follows a competition undertaken by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Top Level Appointments Commission (TLAC).
In accordance with TLAC arrangements for Secretaries General the appointment is for a seven-year term.