The newly appointed chief executive of the Health Services Executive (HSE), Prof Aidan Halligan, has agreed to take up his post earlier than planned.
The Irish Times understands that, following a recent meeting with the Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Ms Harney, Prof Halligan has agreed to take up his position on January 31st.
It had originally been announced that he would not start the job until April 2005, leading to concern that the reforms of the health service might be delayed as a result.
Mr Kevin Kelly, chairman of the interim board of Health Services Executive, said he welcomed the news but pointed out that Prof Halligan was already closely involved with the day-to-day working of the HSE.
He was involved in interviewing candidates for the second tier of management, Mr Kelly said.
The HSE is set to take over the day-to-day running of the health service from January 1st. A Bill outlining its statutory functions is currently in preparation and is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
Prof Halligan is deputy chief medical officer of the Department of Health in the UK and director of clinical governance for the National Health Service.