Irish government appoints EU official as chief science advisor
The Irish government has announced the appointment of Dr Barry Mc Sweeney, currently the Director-General of the EU's Joint Research Centre (JRC), as Ireland's chief science advisor. The appointment is one of a series of decisions taken by the government to boost Ireland's potential in science, technology and innovation. Other measures include an investment of 2.48 billion euro for research and development (R&D) under the national development plan and the establishment of a cabinet committee to specifically address and coordinate science and technology issues. This will be supported by an inter-departmental committee of senior officials with designated responsibility for science and technology in their respective government departments. The government is hoping this approach will guarantee 'a whole of government' approach to R&D. The Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, also announced that the Irish council for science, technology and innovation will live on under the chairmanship of Dr Ed Walsh. The Council, said Ms Harney, will act as an interface between the scientific community and the new structures being put into place. 'A few years ago, I asked Dr. Ed Walsh to head up an international commission of experts to look at how Ireland could best mobilise and coordinate its efforts in science and technology,' explained Mrs Harney. 'This package of measures takes on board a number of important ideas developed by the Walsh Commission.' Ms Harney added that it was the same commission that had recommended the appointment of a chief science advisor. 'As Chief Science Advisor, Dr Mc Sweeney will provide independent expert advice on any aspect of science, technology and innovation as required by the government,' added Ms Harney. Currently the Director-General of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), Dr Mc Sweeney, a biochemist by training, will be pivotal in advising on science issues in the context of the EU and internationally.
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