Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
778. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will report on a series of key aspects related to the ongoing review and the upcoming Research and Innovation Bill, 2023 and the ongoing review of PhDs in Ireland, with particular attention given towards the status of PhDs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30512/23]
View answerFirstly, with respect to the General Scheme of the Research and Innovation Bill 2023, this forms a key part of Impact 2030, Ireland's research and innovation strategy. Its main purpose is to provide for the formation of a new competitive research and funding agency through the amalgamation of the functions and activities of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council.
We have reached significant milestones on the road to establishing the new agency in recent times, including the approval by Government of the General Scheme of the Bill and the appointment of Professor Nolan as CEO Designate of the agency. Professor Nolan's appointment will allow for the operational and transitional work required to set up the agency to proceed at pace, alongside the legislative process.
I also expect to shortly receive a report on the pre-legislative scrutiny process from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. I am confident that we will continue to serve the entire research community well through the establishment of the new agency and I am committed to continuing to listen to views and incorporating stakeholder feedback as we move through this exciting transitional period.
Secondly, regarding the reviewing of PhD supports, the Deputy will recall that I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney in November 2022 to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar, of Impact 2030 for a consistent research student experience across research funders, higher education institutions and research disciplines.
The Review Terms of Reference comprise examination of:
- Current financial supports for PhD researchers,
- The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements,
- The status of PhD researchers (employee/ student) including a review of international comparators,
- Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports,
- Graduate outcomes, including return on investment,
- Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.
The Co-Chairs have recently submitted their first report me which I brought to Cabinet on Tuesday 20 June for information in advance of its publication on my Department’s web site.
In this first report, based on extensive consultation and analysis, the Co-Chairs provide recommendations on the following:
- Financial supports for PhD researchers, with particular regard to stipend levels;
- Issues encountered by PhD researchers coming to Ireland from outside the European Union/ European Economic Area;
- Improving PhD graduate outcomes.
Within this, they recommend an increased stipend level, with an optimum target of €25,000. They acknowledge the potential ramifications of any such change on public finances and recognise that significant additional work will be needed in order give effect to such a recommendation.
Because of their particular complexity, the following elements of the terms of reference will require deeper analysis prior to final recommendations being made:
- Consistency and equity of approaches in how PhD researchers are supported, for example, those coming from underrepresented groups;
- The status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee.
The Co-Chairs will prepare a final review report to consider these outstanding issues. The status issue in particular will require significant examination – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework.
This first report provides a rich picture, at a point in time, of a range of important issues that now need to be considered by all stakeholders. All review recommendations will inform the development of a longer-term (12-18 months) work programme by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
