Dr Holohan stepping back from role as Chief Medical Officer as his wife receives palliative care

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has announced he is taking time out from his role as his wife receives palliative care.

Dr Holohan made the emotional statement at the end of this evening's National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) press briefing.

Dr Holohan's wife Emer, he revealed, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer in 2012.

His wife had been seriously ill throughout the crisis and was admitted to palliative care last Saturday.

Dr Holohan has become a household name throughout the pandemic, a steady, calm hand dealing with the public health crisis but this evening has taken the decision to step back top be with his wife and their teenage children.

"From today I will be taking time out of all of my work commitments to be with my family.

"My wife Emer was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer in 2012.

"She has had a number of difficult years with her disease and was admitted for palliative care last Saturday.

"I want to give my energy, my attention and all of my time to Emer and to our two teenage children, Clodagh and Ronan.

"I have spoken with the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health today and other colleagues who have all offered their support.

"A plan has been put in place for others to take over responsibility of different aspects of my role.

"As a husband, father and public health doctor I am conscious that we have been through tough times together over the last number of months.