The new czar, charged with reforming Ireland’s health service, is expected to be chosen from the private sector, with Pat Farrell, a former Fianna Fail general secretary and chief executive of the Irish Bankers’ Federation, emerging as a frontrunner.
The final round of interviews was held earlier this month and the name of the successful candidate will be put to the cabinet in September.
The process began last March, and early favourites for the job included Sean Hurley, the chief executive of the Southern Health Board, and Pat McLoughlin, of the South Eastern Health Board. It is understood that Pat Harvey, the chief executive of the North Western Health Board, was among a large number of sitting health chiefs who applied for the post.
While local interest was high, there was little international appetite for the challenge of reforming Ireland’s health service.
The HSE will incorporate a national hospitals office, a primary, community and continuing care directorate and a national shared services centre.
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A number of executives refused to apply, in protest at the role of accountants called in to lead reforms.
“The appointment of Hugh Cawley, a former AIB executive, to head up the change programme was the final straw for some,” said a source at the Department of Health.