The secretary general of the Department of Health, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, is stepping down from the post he was appointed to in April 2012.

He is moving to a new role supporting the implementation of the Healthy Ireland initiative.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said the move was agreed in the context of the outgoing secretary general's decision to retire in June 2015.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Ambrose in his new role and expect to rely on his counsel and advice into the future,” Mr Varadkar said.

Praise from Varadkar

Mr Varadkar said he wanted to pay tribute to Dr McLoughlin, whom he credited with piloting the department through one of the most challenging periods ever in the history of the health sector.

“His extensive experience in the health arena will provide invaluable insight and guidance in progressing the achievement of the goals set out in the Healthy Ireland framework.”

Launched in March 2013, Healthy Ireland is a Government action plan aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people living in the State over the coming generation.

Dr McLoughlin said: “It has been a privilege to serve as secretary general in the Department of Health and I am very proud to take up this new role.”

He was previously chief executive of the pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, and was also chief executive of the North Eastern Health Board. Next year, he will have been in the public service for 40 years.

‘Invigorating effect’

When he was appointed in April 2012, Dr McLoughlin replaced Michael Scanlan, who retired after seven years in the position. The then minister for health, Dr

James Reilly

, said Dr McLoughlin would have an “invigorating effect” on the Department of Health.

He said civil servants would welcome “an injection of new blood, fresh thinking and new energy from outside”.