Press release
Taoiseach and Minister for Health announce the appointment of Mr Paul Reid as Director General of the Health Service Executive
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD and Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Paul Reid as Director General of the Health Service Executive.
Mr Reid was appointed following an open competition by the Public Appointment Service. His appointment was noted at this morning’s Cabinet meeting.
Speaking today, An Taoiseach said:
“Paul Reid takes up this post at a critical time of change and reform in our health services. For the first time in a long time, we have the resources, we have the plan and we have the people to move forward."
“During his time at the helm in Fingal County Council and before that in Eircom and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Paul developed a strong reputation as a dynamic and ambitious leader, who was always up for a challenge, drove restructuring, controlled costs, delivered results and managed industrial relations well."
“The role of Director General of the HSE is an incredibly important one. Paul will work with the newly appointed and empowered HSE board and with the Executive Director of Sláintecare, Laura Magahy, as implementation of our 10 year plan to improve and reform the health service steps up a gear. I wish Paul every success in his role and I look forward to working with him.”
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Harris said:
“The appointment of Paul Reid comes at an exciting time for the health service with a clear policy direction as outlined by Sláintecare, record investment and a major capital programme. We now have the key building blocks for a health service that the public deserve as he brings his extensive skillset to this role. He has proven himself to be a leader in public service and has a track record of reform."
“I wish him all the best in the role. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Ms Anne O’Connor for her exemplary leadership over recent months.”
Mr Reid will serve a tenure of 5 years and is expected to begin his position on 14th May next.
Speaking today, Mr Reid said:
“I am truly honoured and excited to be soon taking up the role as Director General of the Health Service Executive."
“There is no doubt this will be a huge challenge as we will have to manage and strengthen the current service delivery mechanisms, whilst at the same time leading the transformation to a new model of integrated care as set out under Sláintecare. The primary focus throughout my term will be the experiences of the patients and all who engage with us.”
Chairman of the HSE Ciaran Devane added:
“Paul was selected from a field of extremely experienced and capable candidates. Paul’s experience in both the private and public sector equips him well for taking on one of the most challenging roles in the country."
“In previous roles he has demonstrated a passion for achieving high standards and values in delivering public services and for supporting and developing staff in order to achieve this."
“The incoming Board of the HSE and I look forward to working with Paul and his team to continually improve the health services in Ireland.”
ENDS
Paul Reid is currently chief executive of Fingal County Council, a role he has occupied since 2014.
Mr Reid started his career in the private sector, including in Eircom where he led a business unit of 5,000 staff and reported to the Group CEO.
Subsequently he was head of organisational development and corporate affairs with Trócaire.
He joined the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform as the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he led the development, implementation and oversight of the government’s reform programme across the civil and public service.
Mr Reid is a member of the Advisory Council on Sláintecare, the government’s health reform programme. He was previously Vice Chair of the National Task Force on Youth Mental Health.
He holds an MSc (Management) from Trinity College Dublin (Business School).