New emerging threats agency ‘should be independent of the Department of Health’

Consultant in public health medicine Anne Dee. 'Change is difficult and to try and implement more change on top of what has been a very difficult would maybe have the potential to scupper our achievements,' said Dr Dee. Picture: UL.ie 

An agency to identify ‘emerging threats’ to the health service, such as future pandemics, should be independent of the Department of Health, a top public health consultant has said.

It was announced last month that the agency would be established following recommendations by the Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group.