Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
365. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is aware of the concerns of an organisation (details supplied) regarding the Government’s recently published review of the PhDs in Ireland; if he has met or plans to meet them to discuss their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33332/23]
View answer366. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether PhD classified as non-EU will be provided with updated residency visas with a four-year duration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33333/23]
View answer367. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to recommend that PhD researchers have access to PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33334/23]
View answer368. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to recommend that PhD researchers have access to sick leave and/or parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33335/23]
View answer369. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to recommend that PhDs to have access to the Workplace Relations Commission in order to resolve disputes with their university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33336/23]
View answer370. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if there are plans to recommend that minimum standards for the provision of funding for PhD researchers in Ireland, including minimum standards of pay, such as the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33337/23]
View answer371. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science regarding the matter of employee status for PHDS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33338/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 365 to 371, inclusive, together.
In November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar of Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, 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.
As part of the review, the Co-Chairs held a comprehensive round of stakeholder consultations and online submissions, with 35 stakeholder meetings held and over 750 written submissions received. This included an all-day in-person workshop with a number of stakeholders which included the Postgraduate Workers Organisation (PWO).
The Co-Chairs recently submitted their first report to me which I brought to Cabinet on Tuesday 20 June for information. The report was subsequently published on my Department’s website on Wednesday 26 June and is available at the following address:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/6ae92-minister-publishes-independent-report-on-supports-for-phd-researchers-in-ireland/
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 under-represented groups;
• The status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee.
My officials will meet the Co-Chairs shortly to determine the preparation of the final report which will consider these outstanding issues. The status issue in particular will require significant examination – especially in terms of any consequences for the Employment Control Framework.
Also, my officials will engage with their counterparts in the Department of Justice to discuss the issue around the updated residency visas for non-EU PhD students.
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. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
