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.

Tánaiste Mary Harney also announced the establishment of a Cabinet committee to specifically address and co-ordinate science and technology issues.

Ms Harney confirmed the retention of the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (ICSTI), under the chairmanship of Dr Ed Walsh, as an interface between the scientific community and the new structures now being put in place by Government.

She said it was critical to co-ordinate thinking and policy making in science, technology and innovation given that the government is investing €2.48 billion in this area under the National Development Plan.

“One of the key recommendations of the Walsh Commission was that Ireland should appoint just such a person to take an overview of the entire system of science, technology and innovation and to provide independent advice to government on key issues,” she said.

He will have a special role to play in advising on science issues in the context of the EU and internationally.

One of his key functions will be to oversee a system of independent evaluation of science policy and programmes across a range of issues.

Dr McSweeney’s office will be attached to Forfas, the state agency responsible for providing government with advice on a range of issues including economic policy and science, technology and innovation.

Ms Harney acknowledged that there had been considerable debate on this point, but insisted the vital issue was to get the best person for the job and locate that person in an environment where they can deliver.

“We are very fortunate that Dr McSweeney’s services become available to us at a critical time,” she said.

“He has a global perspective on science and, through his work at the EU’s Joint Research Centre in particular, has experience of the gamut of issues facing both Europe and Ireland in science and technology.”

Prior to his work with the EU, Dr McSweeney headed up Ireland’s first National Biotechnology research and development programme.