Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jun 1998

Vol. 493 No. 3

Written Answers. - Graduate Support Schemes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

104 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has satisfied herself that the provision governing the stipend to support postgraduate students which stands at £2,000 and involves a pound for pound reduction if a student's earnings exceed £4,500 is sufficient to attract students to do postgraduate work in Ireland; and the information she has in relation to postgraduate support schemes in competitor countries. [16034/98]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Treacy)

The £2,000 figure mentioned by the Deputy refers to, I assume, the annual grant paid to PhD students under the graduate support scheme, which is overseen by the National Research Support Fund Board. This scheme funds approximately 160 new PhD students per annum for three years. This level of funding is a contribution to the cost involved. The terms and conditions of this scheme do not include a restriction on total student earnings.

The Deputy may be aware that this is but one source of funding available to PhD students. Postgraduates are also funded under other schemes overseen by the National Research Support Fund Board and by other State funded schemes. As part of the £5 million research support package which I announced on 26 May 1998, £0.5 million has been allocated for studentships in science and technology, involving direct support for doctoral and post-doctoral students. I have not seen any evidence to suggest that the level of State funding available across the range of State supported measures is a disincentive to students to carry out postgraduate research in Ireland.

The level and type of support available in different European countries is varied and complex as each reflects local conditions. Consequently, comparisons are difficult. I understand that in countries such as the UK and USA it is now common for postgraduate students to take out special loans to support them, as they undertake their postgraduate degrees. The loans are then repaid when they begin work.