Department of Health seeks new top civil servant as Robert Watt’s term expires

Mr Watt’s successor is expected to be paid the top salary for a secretary general — €280,902 per year

There was controversy surrounding Robert Watt’s appointment to the Department of Health in 2021. He received an €81,000 increase beyond the standard payment rates for the most senior civil servants. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

The Government will launch an appointments process for the top civil servant job at the Department of Health, as secretary general Robert Watt’s term expires in April.

Cabinet on Tuesday formally approved the plan to begin the appointment process for Mr Watt’s successor, with a job notice expected to be placed in the days ahead.

Sources indicated that the salary for his successor would be set at a lower rate. 

There was controversy surrounding Mr Watt’s appointment to the Department of Health in 2021. 

He received an €81,000 increase beyond the standard payment rates for the most senior civil servants.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

While he initially waived this €81,000 increase, it was confirmed in 2022 that he began receiving his full salary.

Pay rises stemming from revised public pay agreements further increased his salary to over €300,000.

As of 2026, the top salary for a secretary general is now set at €280,902 per year. 

This is what Mr Watt’s successor is expected to be paid.

The top-level appointments committee will oversee the process to fill the position and recommend a successor. 

The health minister will consider the recommendations and make a decision.

Mr Watt previously came under fire for the botched secondment of then chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan to Trinity College Dublin, with the secretary general signing off on the appointment.

Dr Holohan later withdrew from the process.