The matter of the academic qualifications of the State's chief science adviser was "ongoing", Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin told the Dáil.
Mr Martin said he had met the chief science adviser, Dr Barry McSweeney, last week because he had received several parliamentary questions, arising from an article in a particular newspaper, pertaining to one of his academic qualifications.
"I pointed out to him that this raised concerns among parliamentary colleagues and that it needed to be dealt with in a comprehensive and substantive way," he said.
"I also explained to him that I was receiving follow-up correspondence from a deputy. Regarding the specific academic qualification, I explained to him that I needed to have information to me available to deal with the issue. The chief science adviser undertook to do this and the matter is ongoing."
Fine Gael's spokesman Phil Hogan remarked: "So he is not qualified."
Labour's spokesman Brendan Howlin said the principal academic qualification, the PhD held by Dr McSweeney, is in question.
"Is the Minister satisfied that the awarding university, the Pacific Western University, is acceptable for the prestigious post of chief science adviser? Has the Minister independently checked the university's record, its capacity and its recognition within the academic community in the US, or is the Minister entirely dependent on the view given by the chief science adviser?" he asked.
Mr Martin replied: "No, I am not dependent on his views. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the body responsible for accreditation in Ireland, was asked to assess the bona fides of this institution."
Asked by Mr Howlin what the authority's view was, the Minister replied: "In our discussions with the chief science adviser, his view was that the body he dealt with at that time is vastly different from the one in place now."
