The planned new six Health Service Executive Health Regions are to start from February next year.
The regions are part of the long-promised Sláintecare reforms.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said that Regional Executive Officers (REOs) will be appointed, and these posts will be advertised in the next few weeks, with salaries linked to the pay under the public-only hospital consultant contract of €257,000.
The Health Regions will be responsible for the delivery of health services for the population in their region.
The REOs will report to the HSE Chief Executive.
After February next year, further reforms and devolution of authority will occur, on a phased basis up to 2025.
By the end of next year, the existing Hospital Group and Community Health Organisation structures will be stood down.
The HSE Health Regions Implementation Plan has been approved by Cabinet.
