Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1372. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the procedure that was followed in the appointment of the CEO of the new agency to be created arising from the anticipated amalgamation of SFI and the IRC. [27938/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 5 April, Government noted my intention to create the new Research and Innovation agency on 1 January 2024, to initiate a process to designate the Director General of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) as the CEO designate and to initiate a process through the Public Appointments Service to select a suitable Chair and Board Members of the agency.

The appointment of the CEO designate was a matter of priority to ensure there is no delay in recruitment and the establishment of the agency, as well as to provide stability and ensure that operational matters are progressed in parallel to the legislative process.

Professor Nolan had already been successful in a competitive executive search process undertaken for a very similar candidate to lead SFI in the previous 18 months. As such, a process was undertaken to assess Professor Nolan’s suitability for the role of CEO designate, with a wider search to follow if this process was not satisfied.

Following this process, it was decided to offer the post of CEO designate to Professor Nolan and this approach was approved by Government. The appointment of Professor Nolan provides important continuity and leadership during the transitional period and the early stages of the new agency. Prior to the establishment of the new agency, business will continue as usual in IRC and SFI and researchers can be assured there will be no interruption to ongoing services and funding programmes.