We lack a Fauci to advise us, says expert
THE lack of having an Irish equivalent to Dr Anthony Fauci set us back coming into the pandemic, according to public health specialist Dr Marie Casey.
Dr Anthony Fauci is the head of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and is the key adviser to President Joe Biden on information and research relating to Covid-19.
The role of his Irish counterpart – head of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre – is being filled by a temporary appointment and the post remained empty for four years before the pandemic.
A key function of the head of the HPSC is to plan for potential pandemics.
Dr Casey said: ‘One crucial appointment was left unfilled for many years, which was the Director of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. That is actually our national epidemiologist, and that role sat empty for four years. It’s currently being occupied by a temporary appointment.
‘Essentially, that’s the Anthony Fauci of our country, it’s a very senior role. It’s the person who sets the plans in place for pandemics, who looks to the future, who connects with the World Health Organization, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention. So, essentially, that was not a priority recruitment-wise for Ireland and, indeed, I think impacted on our ability to plan going forward as well.
‘We had international candidates interested who withdrew once they realised the terms under which they would be employed.’