The Health Minister has praised the outgoing Master of the National Maternity Hospital as she prepares to step down.
Today is the final day of Dr Rhona Mahony's term as head of the Holles Street hospital.
Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist Prof Shane Higgins was earlier this year elected to take over once Dr Mahony finishes her seven-year term.
Dr Mahony was the first woman to hold the role.
Simon Harris praised the outgoing Master for her "commitment, advocacy and dedication" during her time in the role.
He said: "She's done a superb job - Rhona isn't just an excellent doctor, but she has also been an incredible advocate for women's and infants' healthcare.
"They've had a very busy weekend in Holles Street. I think they had a number of triplet births - they only have an average I think five a year, and I think they had a number of them this weekend. So she certainly didn't have a quiet last weekend as Master."
He added: "I really do want to thank Dr Mahony for her sterling leadership of the National Maternity Hospital, and her advocacy in general."
UCD Medicine also praised Dr Mahony as she prepares to leave the role:
Our congratulations and thanks to Dr Rhona Mahony whose tenure as Master, @helpinghollesst concludes today.
Every best wish to @DrShaneHiggins8 for an equally successful reign. pic.twitter.com/maLIfsQCLe
— UCD Medicine (@UCDMedicine) December 31, 2018
Prof Higgins has served as the clinical lead for the National Maternity Hospital's move to the St Vincent's University Hospital Campus.
The move is expected to take place during his term as Master.
Minister Harris wished the incoming Master "all the very best" in his new role.
