Philip Nolan case continues to complicate establishment of new State agency

The orderly transition of Science Foundation Ireland to an enhanced State research agency with a €300 million annual budget has got much more complicated. This is because its chief executive designate Prof Philip Nolan is likely to be embroiled in legal actions with SFI for months to come.

. Based on what was presented to the judge in affidavits, the SFI board could dismiss Nolan “for no reason at all”. During the latest hearing, Nolan’s counsel Padraic Lyons confirmed his client would be appealing the decision. This is likely to go to the Court of Appeal in the Autumn. The issue of legal fees should follow the outcome of the substantial trial of the case, the judge said, as it may be unjust for the academic to pay costs for his failed application with a wider case to follow. It might not be heard until next year.

Clearly, SFI is anxious to push on with the transition with its staff due to transfer to Taighde Éireann. Further complicating matters, however, is that the term of office of SFI chair Prof Peter Clinch is due to end this month.

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