Monday 31 August 2026
Press Release: Clinical Trials Advisory Council (CTAC) holds its first meeting
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has welcomed the establishment and first meeting of the new Clinical Trials Advisory Council (CTAC), marking another important milestone in transforming Ireland’s clinical trial landscape.
The Clinical Trials Advisory Council brings together a diverse range of expertise and perspectives from across Ireland’s clinical research ecosystem, including patient representatives, healthcare providers, academia, industry, as well as Government Departments and agencies.
The broad composition of the Council reflects the collaborative approach required to strengthen Ireland’s clinical trials environment and deliver on the vision set out in the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group’s (NCTOG’s) final report which can be accessed here: Transforming Ireland’s Clinical Trials Landscape: A Blueprint for Implementation
Chaired by Professor Donal Brennan, the new Council will help advance reforms across priority areas, including creating agile and responsive systems, enhancing public and patient engagement, promoting value and incentivising activity, supporting strategic workforce development, and promoting the use of innovative technologies in clinical trials.
The inaugural meeting of the Clinical Trials Advisory Council took place on 27 August 2026.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“Transforming the clinical trials landscape in Ireland is a priority for Government.
“I am grateful to Professor Donal Brennan as Chairperson and the members for their willingness to engage and commit to this critically important next step. Increasing opportunities for patients to access innovative treatments, strengthening Ireland’s health research infrastructure, and supporting better health outcomes for people across the country as we continue the work of transforming Ireland’s clinical trials landscape.
“The strength of the Council lies in its broad and balanced membership, bringing together perspectives from patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, regulators, industry and Government Departments and agencies. This collaborative approach will be essential as we work to implement the recommendations of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group.”
Professor Donal Brennan, Chair of the Clinical Trials Advisory Council, said:
“I am honoured to be in a position to continue this vital work and I look forward to working closely with the members of the new Council as we drive forward implementation of the recommendations contained in the Blueprint for Implementation and seek to deliver meaningful improvements for patients, researchers and the wider health system.”
The establishment of the Clinical Trials Advisory Council forms part of the Government’s commitment to strengthening Ireland’s clinical trials ecosystem, improving patient access to innovative treatments and therapies, and supporting Ireland’s position as a leading location for clinical research and life sciences investment.
The list of Council members is available here.