Professor is new Cabinet science adviser

A PROFESSOR of genetics is to become the Government’s new science adviser after the previous expert stepped aside in a storm over his qualifications.

Professor Patrick Cunningham replaces Barry McSweeney, who left the job when his doctorate was revealed to have been awarded by a US university accused of selling bogus degrees.

Professor Cunningham, who is 72, is a renowned expert in animal genetics, having been awarded his PhD doctorate from Cornell University, one of America’s most prestigious institutions.

In January the Trinity College Dublin academic will become the Government’s key expert on scientific matters, advising ministers and civil servants on vital policies and plans.

He said: “The growth in the economy in recent years has been fuelled largely by our rising capacity across many fields of knowledge, so there has never been a better time for science in Ireland,” he said. “In the (Government’s) National Development Programme we have a strong commitment to science and technology over the next six years.

“I very much welcome the challenge of helping to place Ireland among the leading countries in the world of science.”

In November 2005, Mr McSweeney left the €120,000-a-year post and became a researcher at Communication Minister Noel Dempsey’s department where he remains.

Mr McSweeney was unavailable for comment yesterday, but a departmental spokeswoman said: “I’m sure he will wish the professor the very best of luck in his new job.”

Following criticism of how Mr McSweeney was appointed without interview, Professor Cunningham got the top job after submitting an application in response to a recruitment ad. The professor is among the world’s leading experts in animal genetics and developed DNA tracing for meat in the wake of the 1990s mad cow disease crisis. He began his research with An Foras Talúntais, now known as the Teagasc agriculture and food authority and became deputy research director in 1980.

In 1974 the Waterford-born academic was appointed professor of animal genetics at TCD and he has lectured at universities across the globe.