The secretary general of the Department of Health, Dr Ambrose McLoughlin, is stepping down from his post.

The department said he had decided to retire next year after 40 years of service and is moving to a new role supporting the implementation of the Healthy Ireland initiative.

Minister for Health Leo Varadkar paid tribute to Dr McLoughlin this morning, saying the move had been agreed between the pair in the context of Dr McLoughlin's decision to retire in June 2015.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Ambrose in his new role and expect to rely on his counsel and advice into the future,” Mr Varadkar said.

“His extensive experience in the health arena will provide invaluable insight and guidance in progressing the achievement of the goals set out in the Healthy Ireland framework.”

Launched in March 2013, Healthy Ireland is a Government action plan aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people living in the State over the coming generation.

Dr McLoughlin said: “It has been a privilege to serve as secretary general in the Department of Health and I am very proud to take up this new role.”