Dean Sullivan, a former high-ranking executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE) that was compensated nearly €400,000 upon his departure, is now employed in the Northern Ireland health system. Approximately 6½ years ago, Sullivan took the role of deputy director general at the HSE and exited the organisation through a contractually agreed severance scheme. As part of his exit agreement, Sullivan was entitled to a sum of €388,983, of which he did not receive in full.
Sullivan’s exit from the HSE was guided by a process of mediation. His tenure at the HSE started in July 2017, when he was hired as the deputy director general — an officer for strategic planning and management. In 2022, Sullivan’s title was changed to Health Service Executive chief strategy officer.
As of now, Sullivan is working for the Northern Ireland Department of Health at a regional coordination centre. The centre was set up by the health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland as a measure for winter planning strategy in the previous December. This initiative was designed to aid trusts in coping with significant service pressures on emergency and urgent care services on a regional level.
Sullivan is one of many associates serving the trusts on a temporary, non-contractual basis via established appointment systems. He joined the team in late February 2024. The exit agreement between the HSE and Sullivan has received public support from Stephen Donnelly, the Health Minister, and Paschal Donohoe, the Public Expenditure Minister.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform clarified that Sullivan’s payment package also included a legally settled payout to manage any financial and legal risks, and a redundancy payout. Donohoe maintained that Sullivan’s exit agreement aligned with the Government’s guidelines for layoff programmes. He added that part of the agreement came from a legal and mediation process managed by senior counsel.
“Mr Donnelly confirmed his knowledge of Mr Sullivan’s severance package and assured that it was done by the book. While he is not currently aware of any impending redundancy schemes for HSE staff, he admitted that the possibility exists.
He emphasised on the ongoing restructure within HSE, supported by himself and the chief executive, with the aim of streamlining operations. He said that rather than continually recruiting managers nationally, it might mean rendering some positions obsolete.
He conceded, it’s plausible that more job cuts will happen during such extensive restructuring.
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