Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the sideways move of Mr. Barry McSweeney, as he was described in the Government's statement, rather than as Dr. Barry McSweeney. Can the Taoiseach explain the newly-created role of chief science adviser, and how the appointee has been moved to another newly-created role, at the same pay, as research co-ordinator in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources? Is this not almost a carbon copy of the "punishment" meted out to Mr. Michael Kelly, former Secretary General at the Department of Health and Children, when he was moved to the Higher Education Authority?

Many students and scientists who have been in contact with me, and I am sure with other Members, are incandescent with rage given the difference in treatment between themselves, whereby they are obliged to earn their PhDs the hard way, and that given to Mr. Barry McSweeney. The Tánaiste in particular has stated that a PhD was not a requirement for this position. Can the original job specification and list of required qualifications for the job of chief science adviser to the Government be viewed anywhere? When was the decision taken to have a chief science adviser? Was it before Mr. McSweeney became available and the then EU Commissioner Neil Kinnock had a word with the Tánaiste? Can we expect an Irish person who is beholden to his or her political masters to come clean and tell the Government if it goes wrong? I am unsure whether the Taoiseach is familiar with the work of Dr. David King in the United Kingdom. As its chief scientific adviser, he regularly——

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