Search begins for replacement chief medical officer

Professor Breda Smyth will take up a new role with the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin. File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

Recruitment for a new chief medical officer has begun following the sudden resignation of Professor Breda Smyth after only 18 months in the role. 

Prof. Smyth, who was the first woman appointed as CMO, is expected to leave shortly. She will take up a new role with the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin.

It is understood there are concerns around how many applicants might come forward in light of recent improvements to conditions and salaries for public health doctors. A long campaign led to those doctors being given the same status as consultants in other specialities, after the pandemic emphasised their contributions.

The closing date is April 4. The advert indicates the salary on offer runs from €217,325 to €261,051. It describes the role as "a pivotal and influential one which has a leading role shaping national policy and services". 

Among the responsibilities set out are for the CMO to provide expert medical evidence, analysis and advice.  This is to the minister of health of the day, ministers of state and to the Department of Health.

They will be expected to lead out on programmes such as the Healthy Ireland initiative. Their remit also covers other public health, emergency planning and climate action policies linked to the Department of Health.

The public are most familiar with the CMO in their role as the face of various issues. This is also set out as a key requirement.

The previous CMO, Dr Tony Holohan, became highly visible during the covid-19 pandemic due to his regular media updates in that years-long crisis.

The small print advises applicants in an "important note" that the starting salary is at the lowest end of the scale, but this “may be adjusted from time to time".