The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, is trying to deal with difficulties around the controversy on the academic credentials of the Government's chief science advisor.
Some weeks ago it emerged that Dr Barry McSweeney had received his PhD from an online institution called Pacific Western University, which US authorities have described as a diploma mill.
This morning, Dr Ed Walsh, former director of the University of Limerick, described the controversy as 'a setback for the nation'.
Mr Ahern said he had huge regard for Dr Walsh but said Dr McSweeney was already in the process of answering questions and had been personally engaged with Mr Martin on the issue this week.
Asked whether Dr McSweeney should stay in his position, Mr Ahern said that was a matter for Mr Martin.
Earlier Mr Martin acknowledged that the Government was concerned about the controversy. Speaking at the launch of Science Week, Mr Martin said concerns centred on the damage it has done to the office and its impact on the office.
However, he defended Dr McSweeney's reputation, saying he had a good track record.
Mr Martin said he met Dr McSweeney on Wednesday to discuss the controversy and he said a conclusion to his investigations would be reached over the next two days.
