Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 November 2012
18. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the reason behind the decision to abolish the office of the Chief Scientific Adviser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51812/12]
View answerThe Government decision to abolish the separate Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) is part of the wider reform and efficiency process currently being driven right across the public sector. The abolition of the Office of the CSA is one element of a number of reforms being driven by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
The principal function of the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government when it was established in 2004 was to provide high-level advice on scientific issues of concern to Government and to provide scientific inputs to the development of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) strategy including through the Inter-Departmental Committee on STI or through the Advisory Science Council.
Since its establishment the role of CSA evolved into one which was more ambassadorial and representational in nature and this proved highly beneficial to our international reputation and standing – e.g. in securing European Science Open Forum for Dublin this year.
In reality over the past 8 years there has been little requirement for the CSA to respond to formal requests from Government for advice on specific scientific issues of concern.
With regard to the CSA advisory role, no individual could be expected to be a leading expert on the full range of scientific issues that might arise across the spectrum of Government activities such as in relation to public health, veterinary science, energy etc.
This is borne out by the experience to date where the Government continues to utilise for the most part the specialist expertise in these fields that is available within Departments. In the event that the advice of the CSA is required, the role of the CSA in such circumstances would be to identify and source the best possible scientific advice for Government.
It is considered that the Director General of SFI, Prof. Mark Ferguson, given his eminent scientific background, extensive industry expertise and a range of global contacts, and as the head of the Government’s leading science agency, is optimally placed to secure that independent advice.
Prof Ferguson has agreed to take on the additional duties of CSA without any additional remuneration or any additional resources.
Prof Ferguson will, where the need arises, utilise a panel of independent experts, in an arrangement similar to some other international systems.
