‘I’m angry because this bill might land on my desk again’: Prof Philip Nolan’s restaurant row and the inside story of bullying allegations

Taoiseach knew of claims made by senior management in Science Foundation Ireland earlier this yearInvestigation critical of lack of clarity on reporting responsibilities in Nolan’s new role created by Simon HarrisResearch body chief told senior managers: “I think the board would be happy to be shut with the lot of you”

Who is Philip Nolan?

Fionnán Sheahan

It was described as an “unseemly incident at the board dinner” and a “heated discussion”. Professor Philip Nolan accepts he was “angry”, but denies he cast a doubt on a senior executive having a job into the future.

A restaurant-bill barney is illustrative of the relationships between Prof Nolan, the director general of the government research agency, and his senior staff.