Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn, one of the health officials who steered Ireland through the Covid-19 pandemic, has resigned.
A spokesperson in the Department of Health said: “Dr Ronan Glynn has resigned as deputy chief medical officer effective May 31 2022.”
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has led tributes to Dr Glynn and thanked him for his "outstanding service to the Irish people".
READ MORE: Tony Holohan praised for 'outstanding service' as he steps down as CMO after two decades
He said: "I worked very well with Ronan throughout the pandemic, and his unstinting, dedicated and tireless work in fighting COVID-19 was so important to the health and wellbeing of the nation.
"Ronan’s calm demeanour and knowledge of Public Health played a significant role in our national effort throughout the pandemic.
"I thank him for taking up the role of Acting Chief Medical Officer, as well as his contribution to the National Public Health Emergency Team.
"Ronan personifies the very the best of Irish public service, and I wish him well in the future."
Dr Glynn follows in the footsteps of outgoing chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan, who has already confirmed that he will also leave his role in the Department of Health.
Dr Holohan said it has been a “privilege” to serve in the role throughout the pandemic as he announced his resignation as CMO in March.
Announcing the news, he said: “It has been a great privilege for me to serve as Chief Medical Officer and to have had an opportunity to be directly involved in issues of great importance and relevance to the health of the people of Ireland.
“In particular, these past two years have presented extreme challenges to public health globally and I have been honoured to work alongside exceptional colleagues in the Department of Health, the HSE, the wider health service and across Government. “During this time, I have witnessed the dedication of colleagues to protecting the health and wellbeing of people across Ireland.
“I am very excited by this new opportunity, and I look forward with energy and enthusiasm to working with the Provost of Trinity College Dublin and her team, and through this to continue to contribute to improving public health policy, practice and outcomes.”
The top doctor, who had held the role since 2008, had been due to take up the new role as Professor of Public Health Strategy and Leadership at Trinity College Dublin.
However, after controversy surrounding the role, Dr Holohan decided to abandon the post.
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