Barbara O'Leary

The State Chemist is responsible for:

the regulatory functions assigned to the State Chemist in various Acts of the Oireachtas (including the European Communities Acts) and the implementing Statutory Instruments
performing the duties of Accounting Officer for the State Laboratory and being accountable to the Oireachtas for the performance of the Laboratory
the performance of the State Laboratory and its staff ensuring operational efficiency, quality service delivery and continually enhancing the capacity of the Laboratory while maintaining oversight of key Laboratory operations
overseeing the preparation and implementation of the Laboratory’s Strategy Statement and ensuring that key objectives are delivered
leading the Laboratory’s Management Board and building consensus for the wider organisation to achieve the high level goals of the Laboratory
managing the overall Laboratory budgeting process and ensuring that the proper financial systems are in place and that robust financial information is available to make informed decisions on the Laboratory’s capabilities and deployment of resources
implementing a performance management system for the Laboratory
acquiring and retaining accreditation and validation status for Laboratory processes and procedures
ensuring collaboration and building the reputation of the Laboratory with national, EU and other international bodies including educational / research institutions
having, and continuing to develop, a strategic knowledge of the key and emerging areas of chemical technology that are relevant to the Laboratory’s mandate and its role
having an understanding of the science of measurement so as to provide advice to key clients, regulators and lawyers on the practical implications of using measurement results for regulatory and legal purposes
representing the State Laboratory at national forums and on Civil Service committees

Róil

State Chemist