Factfile

Education: CBS, Naas, Co Kildare. UCD: 1965(MB, Bch, BAO). 1968 (BSc, pharmacology) 1969 (MD). University of Dundee: 1974 (PhD).

Married to: Mary, a psychiatrist. Five grown-up children, two of whom are medics.

Interests: Sport - supports Kildare and Everton football teams and Belvedere rugby team. Admits to playing golf badly.

Holidays: the west of Ireland.