Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
72. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to improve the position of PhD candidates as a means to grow the talent pool of workers in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6944/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraImpact 2030, Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy which I was pleased to launch in May of 2022 prioritises the nurturing and development of talent and excellence to build on Ireland’s reputation as an Island of Talent and a location for research excellence and impact.The quality of our researchers is fundamental to the quality of our research system and its collaboration with partners in industry and policymakers, both in Ireland and abroad.
The overarching objective of Impact 2030, is to maximise the impact of research and innovation on our economy, society and environment, and my vision is that Ireland will be a global leader in nurturing, developing and retaining talent to drive research and innovation in our higher education and research system, enterprises, communities and public services.
Under Pillar 4 of Impact 2030 we will ensure that researchers have the right skills development and career opportunities so that they can make their maximum contribution, whether in academia, industry, the public sector or elsewhere. Career pathways will be improved, starting with a review of State supports for PhD students.
As part of this commitment, my Department has begun a national review of State supports for PhD researchers.
I was pleased to 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 the first half of 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.
It is anticipated that key stakeholders will be consulted as part of the review including, importantly, those representing PhD research students.
The review will conclude by making recommendations to me, which will inform actions to ensuring a sound framework of PhD supports is in place.
