Search Underway for New Department of Health Chief as Watt Departs

The process to appoint a new secretary general for the Department of Health is officially underway, following the Cabinet’s decision to initiate the search as Robert Watt prepares to conclude his term in April 2024. The upcoming appointment will see a salary set at €280,000 per year, which is lower than Watt’s current remuneration of just over €297,000.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the framework for this high-level recruitment process. The announcement came from Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, who outlined the plan to establish an open competition for the role. This decision marks a significant shift from Watt’s previous appointment, which attracted criticism due to its perceived lack of a formal selection process.

Watt’s salary, which was controversially set when he took on the role, was influenced by the complexities surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing reforms within the health system. A government source indicated that the new salary structure aims to “standardise” compensation for the position, reflecting a more consistent approach moving forward.

The Cabinet’s decision to pursue an open competition suggests that Watt may not continue beyond his current term. A senior government figure noted that the absence of an extension for Watt’s role indicates a departure from his position is likely.

Watt’s past as secretary general of the Department of Public Expenditure since 2011 has been marked by a reputation as a reformer, though his tenure has not been without challenges. He played a significant role in managing the State’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, earning respect for his efforts in this area. Yet, he also faced controversy, notably related to the failed secondment of former chief medical officer Dr. Tony Holohan to Trinity College Dublin, which resulted in strained interactions with government officials and parliamentary committees.

The search for a new secretary general is expected to be publicly advertised in the coming days. A government spokeswoman confirmed this development, stating, “The term of the current secretary general of the Department of Health concludes shortly, therefore the Government has agreed that a top-level appointment committee process to fill the role will commence shortly.”

As the Department of Health prepares for this transition, the new appointee will face pressing challenges, including ongoing health reforms and the need for effective management of public health issues, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

This search for leadership comes at a critical time for the department, which continues to navigate the complexities of health service delivery in a post-pandemic landscape. The new secretary general will be tasked with ensuring that the department meets the evolving needs of the public while maintaining accountability and transparency in its operations.