The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) (Irish: an Príomh-Dhochtúir Oifigiúil) for Ireland is the most senior government advisor on health-related matters. It is a government post as the lead medical expert in the Department of Health.
The key responsibilities of the CMO include providing expert medical evidence, especially in public health matters, as well as leading on patient safety issues, emergency planning and other areas.
Contents
History
The Government of Ireland appointed Dr James Deeny as its first Chief Medical Adviser in 1944. He was succeeded by Dr Charlie Lysaght who changed the name of the role to its current title of Chief Medical Officer.
List of office-holders
Chief Medical Adviser
Dr James Deeny, 1944–1962
Dr Charlie Lysaght, 1962–1965
Chief Medical Officer
Dr Jim Kiely, 1997–2008
Dr Tony Holohan, 2008–2022
Dr Ronan Glynn (acting), July–October 2020
Professor Breda Smyth, November 2022–May 2024
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
Dr James Walsh, ?–1988
Dr Tony Holohan, 2001–2008
Dr Philip Crowley, 2008–2018
Dr Ronan Glynn, 2018–2022
Professor Philip Dodd 2024–