Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:176. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the way he defines high-value research students. [11343/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 6 March 2014
Ceisteanna (176)
Freagraí scríofa
There is no precise definition of high-value research students but broadly my Department would consider high-value research students to be PhD or post Doctoral level (National Framework of Qualifications 10) students and students studying advanced degrees in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) areas.
With this is mind, and taking into account the potential future benefits, PhD students are permitted to be accompanied to the State by their immediate family i.e. spouse/civil partner and children. In these cases the student will be required to progress academically (verified by letter from academic supervisor) and to complete their doctorate within 4 years.
The Deputy may also wish to note that through the operation of the EU Researchers Directive we admit many post-doctoral researchers into the State every year.