Since late 2009, with the publication of its‘ Strategic Business Plan 2010-2014, the HRB has been on a journey to develop a coherent clinical research system and capacity for population health research (PHR) and health services research (HSR) in Ireland. This review is an important part of that journey. It provides the evidence and analysis that underpins the HRB‘s plans to strengthen the capacity of the Irish health research system, both university and health sector based, to undertake high quality, relevant PHR and HSR that have a real impact on the health of Irish people and on the way that health care is delivered to them