Holohan move to Trinity 'could have been handled better', concede senior ministers

Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath was unaware of the secondment arrangement until it was reported by media earlier this week

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer. Picture: Julien Behal/PA Wire

The secondment of outgoing Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Tony Holohan to Trinity College Dublin "could have been handled better", Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath has conceded.

Controversy has emerged in recent days as Mr Holohan is set to continue to draw his €187,000 a year salary from the Department of Health, which will also have to hire a replacement for the position of CMO.