The Government's chief science adviser has defended the quality of his PhD, despite claims that it was awarded by a "degree mill" institution. He also acknowledges, however, that if given the choice today, he would not have chosen the issuing body, Pacific Western University (PWU).
Dr Barry McSweeney yesterday gave The Irish Times his first substantive media interview since news broke about the source of his doctoral degree. He remains confident he will retain his position as chief science adviser, despite the month-long controversy about the quality of Pacific Western University.
"I value the contents of the PhD and that is why I use the PhD," he said.
He described working on the degree over a three-year period, receiving his PhD in 1992 aged 42. He said he had no idea doubts existed about PWU. "I have acted in good faith in doing this PhD. I was totally unaware of a problem related to Pacific Western University at any time and up until this media circus started," he stated. He added that despite "being under the hammer for the past five weeks, I am still enthusiastic about the work I have done".
He said the degree was based on work and publications accomplished earlier in his career and on experience gained during his time as head of BioResearch Ireland, a promotional body for biotechnology research.
He would have chosen a different institution today, he acknowledged. "If I had the choice today, I wouldn't have. I can't turn the clock back. Of course in light of what has happened, you take a different view now."
He also accepts he has been damaged by the controversy. "Without a doubt damage has been caused to me. Is it irreparable? What has kept me involved is the level of support I have got. We are not at a state where the stakeholders have deserted me."
He believes that his choice of PWU should be "weighed up against all of my achievements", including his current work as chief science adviser. "I am committed to continuing. Furthermore I am excited about the prospects ahead," he said. "It would be so sad if I couldn't continue over a decision I made in 1992. This hasn't professionally affected my ability to do my job."
He believes he retains Government backing for his work. "Do I think they have lost confidence in me? No," he said. "Individual Ministers respect my work. I think they are waiting to hear my side of the story."
The source of Dr McSweeney's PhD was raised in the Dáil last week, with queries from Labour for both the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, and the Tánaiste, Mary Harney, who hired the chief scientist in 2004, as to whether his CV had been scrutinised. Mr Martin said he had discussed the issue with Dr McSweeney and an assessment of PWU was under way.
"There is a constructive dialogue going on between me and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment," Dr McSweeney said yesterday. "We hope this will be drawn to a conclusion soon."
He made no secret of the source of his degree when the job as chief science adviser arose, he said. "It was clear on my CV when I applied to the EU and was clear on my CV here. I got my job because of my almost unique experience in running a research policy organisation of 2,500 people. I am a manager and a strategist. That is why I was hired. No PhD was required for the job. It is not academic powers you need for a job like this, it was management."
He was preparing to leave his previous EU post after five years as head of the Joint Research Centre during the last Irish EU presidency. "I didn't have to leave the commission, it was a good time." He was aware that advisers here had advocated the creation of a chief science adviser post and he asked Neil Kinnock as the commission's vice-president of research to become involved.
"I would have asked Neil Kinnock to act as a referee for me," he said. He was unaware whether Mr Kinnock approached the Tánaiste or the Tánaiste approached Mr Kinnock. He was the only person selected for the post, he said. "If this had gone to interview I would have got the job. I am absolutely convinced of this," he adds.
He remains strongly upbeat about his role as chief science adviser but acknowledges having been disturbed by the upset it has caused to family and colleagues.