Following an independent recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service, the Board of the Mental Health Commission (MHC) has announced that it has reappointed John Farrelly to serve as Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission for the next five years.
Mr Farrelly has been Chief Executive of the MHC since October 2018 and prior to that served as Ireland’s Charity Regulator and as HIQA’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Social Services. He has 35 years’ experience in health and social care services.
Over the past five years, he was responsible for the strategic development and execution of a full programme of regulation to enhance the quality and safety of Ireland’s inpatient mental health services, whilst also overseeing the commencement of the Decision Support Service (DSS).
Dr John Hillery, Chairperson of the Mental Health Commission said: “We are delighted that John has once again agreed to lead the organisation for the next five years to help us realise our vision of an Ireland with equity of access to person-centred mental health and decision support services that deliver high quality care and support.
“Ireland’s mental health services, particularly our community services, still have a considerable journey to undertake before they attain the high level of standards that we have come to expect of all of our approved inpatient services. John’s experience and commitment – along with his proven expertise in risk-based regulation, quality and safety and person-orientated public services – will be an enormous asset as we work to safeguard the rights of service users.
“John also ensured that the Decision Support Service was delivered so that the people of Ireland can legally have their will and preferences recognised and implemented should they ever lose capacity,” added Dr Hillery. “The supports provided by the DSS help to ensure that people are afforded the fundamental human rights to make their own decisions as far as possible about their personal welfare, property and affairs and finances.”
