The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) has appointed Jim Daly as its new Chief Executive Officer.

The appointment comes after an extensive, highly competitive, and productive recruitment campaign.

Mr Daly will join the IHCA from the Private Hospitals Association where he is the current Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Daly served as Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People at the Department of Health from 2017 to 2020 and was Chair of the Committee on Children and Youth Affairs from 2016 to 2017.

He served as TD for Cork South-West from 2011 to 2020.

Announcing the appointment, Professor Gabrielle Colleran, President of the IHCA said: “The IHCA is commencing an exciting new phase.

"We have a growing, diverse, and nationwide membership base who are keen to contribute constructively to our ambition of delivering a worldclass healthcare system for patients.

“On behalf of our leadership Council and wider membership, I welcome Jim to the Association.

"Our membership is strongly served by a talented executive team and we are pleased to bolster this further with Jim’s appointment.

"Jim brings considerable experience and insights as a healthcare representative leader, policy maker, and legislator.

"He joins us at the start of a vital new phase for both the Association and our overall health service.

"We look forward to Jim and the executive team playing a pivotal role in shaping this development.”

Photo: Jim Daly.Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland