Harney defends handling of McSweeney controversy

The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, has defended the Government's handling of the controversy surrounding the appointment of Barry McSweeney as its official scientific adviser.

Mr McSweeney was moved to another lucrative job in the Department of Communications yesterday due to ongoing controversy surrounding his academic qualifications.

The controversy erupted when it emerged that he had received his PhD from a US university known for selling degrees.

Asked about the matter today, Ms Harney defended both the decision to appoint Mr McSweeney in the first place and the decision to give him a different civil service job.

She said he was appointed on the basis of his abilities and not simply because of his questionable doctorate.

Ms Harney also said she believed the decision not to remove him from the civil service altogether was a correct one as his experience and abilities were invaluable.