HIV Ireland has announced that Stephen O’Hare will be joining the team as Executive Director.

In a statement, HIV Ireland said:

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Stephen O’Hare to the position of Executive Director of HIV Ireland.

“Stephen brings more than 15 years of experience of leadership and advocacy within Ireland’s civil society sector. He joins the organisation following his most recent role as Chief Executive Officer at Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI). Previous roles include management and senior policy positions with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Pavee Point and the National Council for Ageing and Older People.

“Stephen is a qualified barrister and social researcher with experience leading high profile initiatives to promote human rights, equality and inclusion. He has worked on numerous high profile campaigns including the referendum on Marriage Equality, the Convention on the Constitution and the referendum on Oireachtas Inquiries.

“He has contributed to many key human rights and LGBTI+ strategic initiatives including the Review of the Gender Recognition Act 2015, the National LGBTI+ Strategy and the first and second examinations of Ireland under the UN’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism.

“The Board and Staff of HIV Ireland would like to extend our warmest welcome to Stephen and wish him every success in his new role.”

Mr O’Hare said that he was delighted to be joining HIV Ireland as Executive Director. Speaking to GCN he said:

“It’s a very exciting time to be joining such a dynamic organisation. The recent announcement by Minister of State Catherine Byrne of significant State investment in the roll out of a national PrEP programme is just one example of how the work of the organisation is paying dividends, educating both policy makers and the public on the most effective ways to combat the spread of HIV. I look forward to continuing this vital work.”

HIV Ireland advocates for individuals living with HIV, preventing new HIV infections and combating HIV-related stigma and discrimination. It is a voluntary, non-profit organisation, linked to various local and national networks.

It was set up in 1987 and was originally called the Dublin AIDS Alliance and has been addressing HIV in Ireland for 32 years.