Derek Tierney is Secretary General of the Department of Health, the most senior civil servant in Ireland's health sector. Appointed to the role in April 2026, he is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the Department and supporting the development and implementation of national health policy, reform, and investment priorities.

Derek brings more than three decades of experience across both the public and private sectors, with a strong track record in programme delivery, organisational reform, infrastructure development, and strategic leadership. Prior to his appointment as Secretary General, he served as Assistant Secretary General at the Department of Health, where he led the areas of Health Infrastructure, Digital Health, and the coordination of the Sláintecare reform programme. In this role, he oversaw major investments aimed at modernising Ireland's healthcare system and improving access to services through innovation and technology.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Derek served as Programme Director of the Government's COVID-19 Vaccination Taskforce, playing a key leadership role in one of the largest public health operations undertaken by the State. He has also held a number of senior positions across Government, including leadership responsibilities relating to Brexit preparedness, mortgage arrears policy, public sector reform, and whole-of-government initiatives.

Before joining the Civil Service, Derek gained extensive experience in the commercial sector, working in the pharmaceutical, computer, telecommunications, and transport industries. His career has spanned both operational and strategic roles, including senior positions within a commercial transport semi-state organisation.

As Secretary General, Derek is leading the Department of Health at a pivotal time for the Irish healthcare system, helping to advance healthcare reform, digital transformation, infrastructure expansion, and the continued implementation of Sláintecare to support better health outcomes for Ireland's population.