We need a new vision for the role of Chief Medical Officer

The Office of the CMO has a key strategic role in providing expert public health advice to the Minister for Health and Ministers of State, and yet the CMO's salary is below that for the freshly appointed public health consultants

The State’s top doctor, Professor Breda Smyth is supposed to be supported with four deputies each with a specific set of responsibilities. Currently two of those posts remain unfilled while another staff member is on sick leave.

Ireland has lost two chief medical officers (CMO) in the last 18 months. The State’s top doctor, Professor Breda Smyth is supposed to be supported with four deputies each with a specific set of responsibilities. Currently two of those posts remain unfilled while another staff member is on sick leave.

The main role of the CMO is to plan and deal with crises. Prof. Smyth’s predecessor, Dr Tony Holohan who led the country through the recent covid-19 pandemic, had plenty to contend with including swine flu and the CervicalCheck debacle.