The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced the appointment of Professor Mary Horgan to lead the design of a new emerging health threats agency.

The agency will build on existing assets and infrastructure to focus on infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and other emerging threats to public health.

Professor Mary Horgan is Professor of Infectious Diseases at University College Dublin (UCD) and the Mater Misericordiae Hospital. She recently completed her second term as President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. She served as President of the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland. She also served on the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and led the expert advisory group on rapid testing and chaired Ireland’s first National Research Ethics Committee.

Mary Hogan’s appointment follows consideration of the Report of the Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group (PHREAG), who were requested to examine the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland.

Professor Horgan will report directly to the Minister, providing monthly progress reports as the new agency comes to fruition to focus on infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and other emerging threats to public health.

Speaking on the appointment, Minister Donnelly said:

"I am delighted to appoint Professor Mary Horgan to spearhead the creation of a new dedicated public health agency. This new agency will ensure strengthened preparedness, by consolidating existing expertise across the health service together with additional external resources and expertise.

"Through her various roles in our health service, Mary has contributed valuable knowledge and expertise, shaping patient care. Her practical advice as a member of NPHET, encouraging the uptake of vaccines and guidance as the country began to emerge from the pandemic reflects skills that will be instrumental in strengthening Ireland’s preparedness for future health threats."

Speaking on her appointment Professor Mary Horgan said:

"I am honoured to be appointed to lead the team that will design this new health agency. Together we will collaborate to ensure Ireland is well prepared for future public health threats, including pandemics."

A proposal on the scope and functions of the agency will be brought to Government within six months.

Congratulations to Prof Mary Horgan and we wish her all the best for this vitally important appointment.