I propose to take Questions Nos. 509, 519, 520 and 524 together.
Many PhD students receive stipends which are supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council, both bodies under the aegis of my Department. However, PhD students may self-fund, or receive support from either their higher education institution or some other body - including private funders. Higher education institutions are autonomous institutions as provided for in legislation and on that basis the management of academic affairs, including the criteria governing the level of stipends paid to PhD students, is solely a matter for the relevant institution to determine in line with its own criteria.
With that in view, as an immediate and tangible relief against the challenges of the rising cost of living, in this Budget I am introducing:
- a once off payment in 2022 of €500 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
- a €500 increase to the stipend baseline in 2023 for PhD students who receive an IRC or SFI award.
PhD students recipients may also, in certain circumstances, qualify for support from SUSI.
I should add that I am considering commencing a review of current PhD training provision, including supports for students such as stipends. I have asked my Department to set out a scope for such a review, building on previous work in this area and with a view to framing practical actions that can be implemented within the resources available and competing needs.