John Gormley
Ceist:184 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the reason there are so few Irish people in senior advisory positions or on the board of MediaLab Europe. [19770/01]
Written Answers. - MediaLab Europe.
MediaLab Europe, MLE, is an educational research facility with an international focus. The Government funding commitment to MediaLab Europe represents start-up capital. Eventually, it is envisaged that MLE will be primarily funded by commercial sponsorship. Therefore, if it is to compete with other research facilities around the world for sponsorship, high calibre researchers and projects, it is vital that senior staff and board members have international reputations.
The agreement between the Government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology specifically provides for a transfer of knowledge from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MediaLab to MLE, particularly in the start-up phase of the project. One of the main channels for the transfer of this knowledge is the involvement of senior MITML staff in MLE.
Recruitment of research scientists to MLE is based on academic and research excellence. Suitably qualified Irish researchers have the same opportunities to apply for positions at MLE as researchers of other nationalities. The initial staffing intake includes Irish, European and US researchers.
With regard to the board of MLE, three members are appointed by MIT and three by the Government, and the rest are appointed jointly by them. Of the ten members of the board, four are Irish – Dr. Danny O'Hare, Ann Riordan, Bono and Denis O'Brien.