Statement by Minister for Health Leo Varadkar on new role for Secretary General ahead of retirement in 2015

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar has announced that the Secretary General of the Department of Health, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, will be moving to a new role supporting the implementation of the Healthy Ireland initiative ahead of his retirement next year.

The move was agreed by the Minister and the Secretary General in the context of his decision to retire in June 2015, after 40 years of service.
Minister Varadkar paid tribute to Dr McLoughlin for piloting the Department through one of the most challenging periods for the health sector. ‘I look forward to continuing to work closely with Ambrose in his new role and expect to rely on his counsel and advice into the future. His extensive experience in the health arena will provide invaluable insight and guidance in progressing the achievement of the goals set out in the Healthy Ireland framework’ said the Minister.

Dr McLoughlin said: ‘It has been a privilege to serve as Secretary General in the Department of Health and I am very proud to take up this new role’.