Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
650. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to ensure that PhD candidates in third level institutions who are also teaching classes as part of their stipends are paid adequately for their work (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44934/20]
View answerPostgraduate programmes are comprised of a range of elements designed to further the training and development of these students. In particular PhD students, in addition to conducting research, participate in other activities to develop generic and transferable skills. These activities are regarded as an integral part of their training and typically include teaching.
Development of these skills is important in equipping the students for their future careers, including those who wish to compete for academic positions. Teaching contribution assists in the acquisition of generic and transferable skills, as described in the National Framework for Doctoral Education and the PhD Graduate Skills statement provided by the Irish Universities Association.
PhD students may contribute to teaching, often at a level of up to 5 hours per week over the course of their studies, without extra payment. Such duties are commonly part of their terms and constitute an important element of their skills development programme. A range of activities can be included under the teaching contribution, such as taking tutorial groups, demonstrating at practical classes, co-supervising undergraduate projects and student mentoring. Hours may be included that are spent in class preparation, advising, monitoring student projects, and correcting projects, notebooks or essays and will vary according to School/Discipline. Where postgraduate students are in receipt of funding awards, participation in such activities can be considered a valuable activity within the award holder’s career.
While contributing to teaching is an integral part of the training of a research Master’s or PhD student the core component of research programmes across all universities is the advancement of knowledge through original research, which must remain the primary focus of the activity of research students.
The delivery of teaching duties by graduate students in a higher education institution is a matter for the institution concerned reflecting their independent self-governed status. However, it is important that the allocation and conduct of such work is undertaken in accordance with the objectives of the National Framework for Doctoral Education and the PhD Graduate Skills Statement in enabling the development of key skills and competencies for postgraduate students.
Where individual issues arise these fall to individual institutions to address consistent with the terms of the Framework and Skills Statement. However given the wide range of potential situations reflecting the diversity of institutions, disciplines, course fees, the relationship in some cases with research funding awards and stipends and other factors, I have asked my Department to engage with the Higher Education Authority, research funders and relevant stakeholders to seek advice on this matter and consider any issues arising.
