A chief officer in the Health Service Executive (HSE) is to become the next CEO of the Child and Family Agency, Tusla.

Bernard Gloster is currently based in the HSE Mid-West.

For more than 30 years he has worked in, or managed, every operational part of the HSE health and personal social services system.

Originally trained as a social care worker, he worked for a number of years in child care services when it was located in the health system.

For the past 16 years, he has been a senior health service manager holding briefs in both acute hospitals and community healthcare services.

Mr Gloster will hold the Tusla role for a period of five years.

The chairperson of Tusla, Pat Rabbitte, announced his appointment on Friday.

"I believe that Mr Gloster is eminently equipped for this challenging role due to his skills, experience and professional commitment. He has many years' experience as a senior health service manager, and is currently Chief Officer of the HSE Mid-West."

On his appointment, Mr Gloster said: "It is a privilege to have been chosen by the board of Tusla to lead the Agency in the next phase of its development.

"Tusla comes with a talented workforce and many stakeholders, making this a role I very much look forward to taking up, as we strive for improved supports and services in child protection and welfare, and family support services for families who need us."

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone added: "Bernard brings a wealth of experience in the child care area and in social services as a whole, which will be of great benefit to Tusla."

Mr Gloster will take up his role in September.

Main image: Bernard Gloster | Image via @BernardGloster in Twitter