Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if any concern has been raised with him in relation to the commercial interests or former interests of a person (details supplied); and if this creates a potential conflict of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32900/12]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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The Board of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) appointed Prof Mark Ferguson earlier this year following an extensive international recruitment process. Prof Ferguson has an extensive track record over the past three decades in both the academic and commercial spheres. Upon joining SFI, Prof Ferguson, as required of all employees, signed the Code of Business Conduct for Employees which sets out in written form the agreed standards of principle and practice which inform the conduct of staff members of SFI. Incorporated within this Code is an obligation upon the individual to disclose to the Board Secretary any matters that could give rise to a conflict of interest as soon as that conflict becomes apparent. I have no concerns about Prof Ferguson's commercial interests. Prof Ferguson resigned as Non-executive Chairman of Renovo Group plc. and Consultant to Renovo on 15th January 2012 before taking up the Director General position at SFI.