Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new Chief Science Adviser to the Government will take up their post; if this is a full or part-time position; the staff and other resources that will be allocated to the Chief Science Adviser; the cost of these resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2526/07]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am happy to advise the Deputy that the new Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, Professor Patrick Cunningham, took up his post on Monday 15 January 2007.

The CSA is available to provide high-level advice on scientific issues of concern to Government, as required, and initially for a minimum of the equivalent of twenty-two hours each week. His role complements the other elements of the STI coordination and governance system already put in place by Government, including the Cabinet Sub Committee and its supporting high-level Interdepartmental Committee on STI, both of which the CSA will attend, and the Advisory Science Council.

The CSA is based in Forfás, the advisory board for science, technology and innovation. He has available to him the appropriate resources within Forfás and the capacity to access additional specialist services nationally and internationally, as his work programme requires.

The CSA's costs are met within existing budgets and there are no additional costs to the Exchequer, over and above the CSA's own salary and related expenses. While the Deputy will appreciate that the CSA's remuneration is confidential personal information, I can assure her that it reflects the nature of the post and the expertise required.