Appointments to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council

Following their nominations, The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D., has appointed the following members to the Health and Social Care Professionals Council.

Declan is an optometrist with over 25 years’ experience in clinical practice, management and education. A graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), he practiced for many years in ophthalmology settings specialising in cataract and refractive surgery and ocular surface conditions. In 2009, Declan joined the staff of optometry department at DIT (now TU Dublin) and is now the Head of Optometry at the university’s Faculty of Sciences and Health with overall responsibility for the academic, clinical and research activities of the Optometry discipline.

Declan is a fellow of the Association of Optometrists Ireland and a member of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics. He also sits on the Council of the Association of Optometrists Ireland, is a member of the Medical Advisory Committee of Global Vision and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Optometric Clinical Practice. Passionate about the advancement of the science and practice of optometry, Declan’s ongoing objective is, through various roles to contribute to the development of the optometry profession in and to an improved, more integrated and patient centric system of eye care delivery for the benefit of all those in Ireland who have eye care needs.

Mr Hovenden is nominated by the Optical Registration Board and his appointed is with effect from 17th April 2024 until 10th February 2027.

Niamh graduated from University of Ulster with an BSc (Hons) Radiography degree in 1997. She worked for over 20 years as a clinical radiographer and was a CT clinical specialist in Cork University Hospital for over 7 years. Throughout her career she has evidenced her commitment to Continuous Professional Development undertaking a post graduate Certificate in CT (University of Bradford) an MSc in CT (University College Dublin), a Certificate in Teaching and Learning (UCC) and is currently undertaking a PhD in Radiography in UCC. Niamh has also demonstrated a keen interest in radiography education in Ireland, she has developed and run IV courses in UCC and was instrumental in the development of the diagnostic radiography programme at UCC where she is currently working as a lecturer. Niamh is actively engaged in radiography research with many publications and presentations at local, national and international conferences over the past 15 years.

Niamh was elected as a CORU board member in 2020 and is also on the Council of the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy. The diversity of her roles has provided her with an excellent overall understanding of the clinical and education needs of the radiography profession. She has a good working knowledge of the business and regulatory environment in which CORU operates. She has been directly involved in education programme monitoring and approval processes and is eager to ensure education programmes have a system in place to consistently produce graduates who meet the Standards of Proficiency for the profession.

Ms Moore is nominated by the Radiographers Registration Board and is with effect from 17th April 2024 until 28th February 2026.