O'Brien will become new head of HSE - Minister Reilly

The Minister for Health Dr James Reilly has announced that Tony O'Brien will become the new Director General designate for the Health Service Executive.

O’Brien will formally assume the position once the new Governance Legislation is passed by the Oireachtas in the autumn. In the meantime, as Director General designate, he will work closely with all relevant figures in the HSE in preparing for the new structure which is being established under that legislation.

The Chief Executive of the HSE Cathal Magee last week announced his intention to step down from the CEO position and will do so shortly. At that time Mr O’Brien is expected to become the acting Chief Executive.

Mr O’Brien will remain in that position until the Governance legislation is passed at which time he will formally become the Director General and the post of Chief Executive will cease to exist.

Speaking of his suitability to the task ahead Minister Reilly said “Tony O’Brien has demonstrated, in a range of different areas, a capability of implementing progress. As Chief Operating Officer of the Special Delivery Unit he has worked with stakeholders across the country to put in place measurable improvements.

"I am satisfied that Tony O’Brien has the qualities needed to drive the essential reform required to ultimately end our two-tier health system. He also has the strategic ability to manage an enhanced architecture of financial control now being placed in the HSE.”