Department of Children announces new secretary general

Dr Fergal Lynch has been appointed as secretary general of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, it has been announced. *

In a statement, Minister for Children Dr James Reilly confirmed the appointment of Dr Lynch to the top position within the department. Dr Lynch will replace the previous secretary general Jim Breslin.

The appointment was officially confirmed at a Cabinet meeting this morning [WEDNESDAY].

"Dr Lynch has been deputy secretary general of the Department of Health since 2012. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, policy, evaluation of policy . . . service delivery and project management," the statement said.

Dr Lynch holds a BA in public management, as well as a masters degree and doctorate in governance.

Mr Breslin was appointed secretary general of the Department of Health last September.

This article was edited on January 14th