Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
141. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total number of PhD researchers; the percentage of PhD researchers who will receive the €500 stipend increase; the total number who will likely receive the increase in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra145. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason that PhD students who are not funded by SFI and IRC have been excluded from receiving the bonus payment announced in Budget 2023; if this will be reconsidered and amended to include all PhD students given the current cost-of-living situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50662/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 145 together.
I was pleased to be able to allocate a once off payment of €500 in 2022 to PhD students currently supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council, and an increase of €500 to the stipend baseline of €18,500 for 2023 for PhD students currently supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council. Both agencies will make arrangements with higher education institutions for the increase to be paid to students funded through their awards.
Outside the remit of my agencies, the level of stipend paid by higher education institutions is a matter for the institutions themselves.
However, my Department is monitoring the issue of stipends and the views expressed by students and other stakeholders. I have met with PHD Workers Alliance representatives and the Union of Students in Ireland on the challenges facings students. Following on from the Budget and on foot of these engagements, I will be 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.
