Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
1022. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding the review of the conditions of PhD work in Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the demands from an organisation (details supplied) with regards to this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63156/22]
View answer1024. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the review of the conditions of PhD work in Ireland will be complete; the considerations that he has given to the fair postgraduate workers agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63326/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 and 1024 together.
My Department has begun a national review of State supports for PhD researchers.
In this regard, I was pleased to recently appoint Dr Andrea Johnson and David Cagney as Co-Chairs for the review.
The scope of the review includes:
- Current PhD researcher supports including financial supports (stipends, SUSI supports and others);
- The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements across research funders and higher education institutions, including equity and welfare considerations;
- The status of PhD researchers (student, employee) including a review of international comparators and models;
- Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports;
- Graduate outcomes for PhD graduates including return on investment/benefits to the researcher;
- Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.
The Review, informed by a robust evidence base, will be completed in early 2023. The review will look at issues of adequacy, taking account of costs and other issues, such as the exemption of the PhD stipend from income tax.
A list of the stakeholders that will be consulted as part of the review has not yet been agreed. However, it is anticipated that key stakeholders will be consulted as part of the review including, importantly, those representing PhD research students.
Any submissions received are being considered in the context of the review.
