Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 571: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will report on the recent appointment of Mr. Barry McSweeney to the role of research co-ordinator in his Department; the duties being assigned to this person; when this position was first proposed; the reason same was necessary within his Department; the further reason there was not an open public competition for the role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2223/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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In December last the Government approved, on foot of my recommendation, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, the appointment of Mr. Barry McSweeney as research co-ordinator at my Department with effect from 16 February 2006 until 30 November 2009.

My Department is in the process of finalising the process of appointment. It is intended that the research co-ordinator will support the Department in the development and implementation of research and development strategies in the priority areas of energy, marine, ICT, digital and geo-science sectors. This work will be consistent with the broader focus of the Government on the knowledge economy.

Reporting to the Secretary General of the Department, the research co-ordinator will contribute to the development of new analysis and initiatives by the Department and its agencies as well as liaising and advising on sectoral research and development priorities under the EU Seventh Framework Programme. The position of research co-ordinator is an administrative one that will utilise Barry McSweeney's extensive management and organisational skills and experience at national and EU level. The Secretary General and management committee of the Department will agree an annual work programme for the research co-ordinator covering the sectoral research and development priority areas for energy, marine, ICT, digital and geoscience.