John O’Neill

The Research Policy and Innovation Unit in the Department of Health was established in 2024 to ensure that the crucial contribution of research and innovation to wider health system improvement is more fully exploited. John’s specific responsibilities include supporting a research led approach in the HSE and providing strategic direction and corporate governance for the Health Research Board (HRB). At a wider level John’s team are connecting health research and innovation across government for more impactful outcomes and supporting Ireland’s wider international engagement on key priority areas across health and social care research including the ongoing preparation for Ireland’s EU Presidency in the 2nd half of 2026. Advancing the Clinical Trials landscape in Ireland and implementing the National Strategy on Genetics and Genomics are among the key current areas of focus for the team.