Professor Breda Smyth has been appointed the new Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health.
Prof Smyth has been the interim CMO since July of this year, after Dr Tony Holohan left the role.
The appointment of a new CMO comes amid a rise in Covid-19 cases, and ahead of what is likely to be another difficult winter for the health service.
Speaking on RTÉ's News at One this afternoon, Prof Smyth said there is increasing concern at the number of people with Covid-19 being admitted to hospital.
"Currently the seven-day average is 60 admissions per day. Of those admitted, we do know 70% are over the age of 65. Of those over the age of 65, we know that 25% do not have their primary course of their vaccination. We also know that 40% do not have their booster dose."
During the pandemic, Prof Smyth was Director of the Department of Public Health West. She has also previously worked as a Professor of Public Health Medicine in University of Galway and a consultant in public health.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced the new appointment in a statement from the Department of Health. The statement added that it follows an open competition that took place through the Top-Level Appointment Commission (TLAC) process.
"I am pleased to announce the selection of Professor Breda Smyth for appointment as Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health," said Minister Donnelly.
"Professor Smyth's considerable experience, excellent leadership ability and extensive public health skill-set will be a valuable asset to the department and I am delighted to build on the great work that Breda has done in her time as interim Chief Medical Officer in the last few months.
"The pandemic has placed a renewed spotlight on the importance of public health in our health and social care services and I very much look forward to working with Breda as we build on this important work and continue to facilitate increased access to the health service, as well as the quality of that service."
Prof Smyth said it was a "very proud day for me and my family".
"I am delighted to accept this role and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Department of Health, and across our health and social care service to promote and protect public health and the health and wellbeing of the population of Ireland.
"The Chief Medical Officer has a primary role in implementing cross-government initiatives like Healthy Ireland and Sláintecare and I am excited by the challenge ahead.
"I am keen to use my term as Chief Medical Officer to support greater engagement with marginalised groups in society and address inequities in health by supporting the Department's work in improving the affordability and quality of our health service."
