Chairperson appointed to HSE Board

Mr Devane is CEO of the British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. He was previously CEO of the UK health charity Macmillan Cancer Support. Mr Devane has also been a member of the Board of NHS England.

According to a Department of Health statement: “Early tasks for the new Chair will be to participate in the selection of the CEO of the HSE, the process for which is underway, and to participate in the process for identifying other Board members. This is another important step in the implementation of a key Sláintecare recommendation.”

The position of Chair attracts an annual payment of €80,000.

Priority issues for the new HSE Board will include delivering effective and safe services within the resources allocated; developing and implementing an effective performance management and accountability system in the HSE; developing a plan for building public trust and confidence in the HSE and the wider health service; and ensuring the HSE’s full support for and implementation of the Government’s programme of health reform, as set out in the Sláintecare Implementation Plan

The legislation for a Board governance structure is currently being drafted, according to the Department.

“This legislation is on the Government’s priority list of Bills and, working with members of Oireachtas, the Minister intends to bring the legislation through both Houses by the end of 2018. Under the new legislation, the Board will be the governing body of the HSE and will be accountable to the Minister for the performance of its functions and the CEO will be accountable to the Board.”