Professor Brendan Drumm has been confirmed as the new head of the Health Service Executive(HSE), after being approved by the board of the executive tonight.
Prof Drumm had turned down the job at the start of June when the HSE refused to guarantee he could return to a post as a consultant paediatrician at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, when his term as HSE chief executive ended in five years.
Professor Drumm is currently head of paediatrics in UCD as well as a consultant at Our Lady’s.
It is believed that Prof Drumm will be able to return to an academic post in UCD when his contract with the HSE expires.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney has welcomed the appointment.
In a statement released this evening Ms Harney said: "Professor Drumm has an outstanding reputation, and as chief executive will bring dynamic leadership to the HSE.
"We have a wide-ranging and urgent reform agenda to deliver world class health services for the people of this country. I look forward to Professor Drumm bringing his vision and leadership to this critical role and delivering the radical reform that the Irish health system needs and which the public expect," added the Tánaiste.
Ms Harney thanked the interim chief executive Kevin Kelly and UCD for their contribution to the appointment.
"I would like to thank particularly the Chairman of the Health Service Executive, Mr Liam Downey, and the members of the Board, for their work in achieving a successful conclusion to the selection and appointment of an excellent Chief Executive for the Executive," Ms Harney said.
"I would also like to thank Mr Kevin Kelly for the huge professional and personal commitment he has given to the establishment of the HSE both as Chairman and interim Chief Executive. Finally, I would like to thank UCD for their very helpful input towards providing a solution."