Dr Tony Holohan has said it isn't his intention to return to the role of Chief Medical Officer at any time in the future.
Dr Holohan is briefing a private meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee on his secondment to Trinity College as professor.
Questions had been asked about why the Department of Health will continue to pay his salary and whether Dr Holohan could return to the Department in future.
He's said his time as CMO is over and it's important his successor feels fully empowered.
