New adviser to put spark into science and technology sector

THE Government’s new chief science adviser is Dr Barry McSweeney who has been appointed in a drive to maximise the potential of Ireland’s multi- billion euro science and technology sector.

Dr McSweeney, who is the director general of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), will give advice to the Government on any science-related matters.

Dr McSweeney, who manages 2,500 staff in four countries in his present post, will give the Government an overview on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) matters.