The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has welcomed the establishment and inaugural meeting of the Clinical Trials Advisory Council (CTAC), marking a further milestone in efforts to transform Ireland's clinical trials landscape. The Council met for the first time on 27 August 2026.

CTAC brings together a wide range of perspectives from across Ireland's clinical research community, including patient representatives, healthcare providers, academia, industry, and Government Departments and agencies. Its broad composition is intended to strengthen Ireland's clinical trials environment and deliver on the vision set out by the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group (NCTOG).

Chaired by Professor Donal Brennan, the Council will help drive reforms across priority areas: creating agile and responsive systems, deepening public and patient engagement, promoting value and incentivising activity, supporting strategic workforce development, and advancing the use of innovative technologies in clinical trials.

The initiative aligns with the NCTOG's final report, Transforming Ireland's Clinical Trials Landscape: A Blueprint for Implementation, which was published by the Minister in November 2025.

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."

According to the Department of Health, establishing CTAC forms part of the Government's commitment to strengthen Ireland's clinical trials ecosystem, improve patient access to innovative therapies, and reinforce Ireland's position as a leading location for clinical research and life sciences investment. A list of Council members is available online.

The Council will provide strategic advice and oversight on implementing NCTOG recommendations, focusing on: the implementation and development of a National Clinical Trials Body; 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.