AQW 23580/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 28/02/2025
Answered On Date: 25/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail the engagement mechanisms that exist between scientific advisors in different Executive departments.

Answer:

Professor Helen McCarthy was appointed as Chief Scientific and Technology Adviser (CSTA) to the Executive in June 2024. As CSTA, Prof. McCarthy convenes monthly meetings with the Scientific Advisers in DAERA and DoH. These meetings are supplemented by ad-hoc meetings when required.

The CSTA chairs the NI Science and Technology Advisory Network (NISTAN) which has representation from all Executive Departments to assist the CSTA in championing the use of science and technology to create a stronger evidence base for policy development and decision-making.