Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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294. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will explain the conflict of interest between the Government's chief scientific adviser and head of Science Foundation Ireland (details supplied). [39389/13]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have previously outlined to this House Professor Mark Ferguson was appointed Director General of Science Foundation Ireland in January 2012. Professor Ferguson has an extensive track record over the past three decades in both the academic and commercial spheres. Upon joining SFI, Professor 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. Professor 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.