The Hurler On The Ditch

Doctor

The Sunday Independent reported

THE Government's chief science adviser, Dr Barry McSweeney, got his doctorate from a US 'university' that globally advertises its unrecognised "fee-for-degree" qualifications on the internet, the Sunday Independent can reveal. The Swedish government has listed Pacific Western University (PWU) as a fake institution that issues bogus degrees, while the investigative arm of the US Congress said in a report that PWU was an unaccredited "diploma mill" for CV cheats.

The revelation about Mr McSweeney's doctorate will come as a further embarrassment to the Taoiseach in a week when he was again chided in the Dail by FG leader Enda Kenny for allegedly "faking" his own degree.

Last night, Mr McSweeney himself refused to comment on his doctorate, but a spokeswoman said that he was "proud" of his PhD, which he achieved in just 12 months, and that he stood over it.

There are now serious questions over the use by Mr McSweeney of the title 'Doctor', particularly given his current role.

The particular use of the title by Dr McSweeney is not important, in fact his standing and reputation are such that it is of little consequence in the specific case. What is important is the need to establish some forum that can validate academic qualifications. It is difficult, but with the wide variety of degree issuing institutions some effort needs to be made.

posted by Hurler @ 11:15 pm