The Health Minister has named the new Director-General of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Tony O’Brien will formally take over when legislation is passed in the autumn.

But he is expected to become acting chief executive of the HSE when Cathal Magee stands down from that position shortly.

Mr. O’Brien has been running the special delivery unit of the HSE.

Minister James Reilly says he has made progress in areas such as trolley numbers and waiting lists.