The former Chief Medical Officer was at the centre of controversy following his planned secondment as Professor in Trinity College Dublin.
Dr Tony Holohan is set to return to academia with the announcement of a new job in University College Dublin (UCD).
The former Chief Medical Officer was appointed as an Adjunct Full Professor at UCD’s College of Health and Agricultural Sciences.
Professor Cecily Kelleher, College Principal of the College of Health & Agricultural Sciences welcomed the appointment of Dr Holohan.
“The appointment of someone of such high calibre and experience in guiding national policy and response to the Covid-19 pandemic will contribute enormously to our future research, education and planning. And I greatly look forward to working with him,” Kelleher said.
Holohan was the centre of controversy earlier in the year as he was meant to take a position as Professor in Trinity College Dublin.
It was announced that Dr Holohan would be stepping away from his position as CMO to take on a new role as Professor of Public Health Strategy and Leadership at Trinity.
However, the move raised eyebrows this week when it was revealed the Department of Health would fund the move under the same pay and conditions as his existing contract.
As a result of the controversy, Holohan opted to refuse the secondment.
“I have decided not to proceed with my secondment as Professor of Public Health Leadership and Strategy, Trinity College Dublin,” he wrote.
“I intend to retire as CMO with effect from 1 July to allow the Department of Health sufficient time to advance the process of appointing my successor.
“I do not wish to see the controversy of the last few days continuing.
“In particular, I wish to avoid any further unnecessary distraction that this has caused to our senior politicians and civil servants.
“My strong belief is that this was a significant opportunity to work with the university sector to develop much-needed public health capacity and leadership for the future.
“In this regard, I would like to thank Trinity College and the Provost for their foresight and support in establishing this role.
“Following my departure, I look forward to sharing my knowledge and expertise outside of the public service.”
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