Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is a root-and-branch review. It is not simply looking at what the level of the stipend should be; it is looking at all the issues, including how a PhD researcher is classified and whether they are students or employees. I have had engagement with postgraduates. There are some countries people reference as good examples of how PhD researchers are looked after where they are employees and there are other countries people reference where they are not. Looking at international comparisons is important, as is looking at what is best practice and wanting Ireland to be best in class. I share that desire. Next year, for the very first time, we will bring a stand-alone national research Bill through the Oireachtas. That will obviously go through pre-legislative scrutiny and the like. There will be an opportunity in legislation to tease through the research ecosystem and how everyone interacts with it. The review is the best way for people to make their views known. It is not an in-house review; it is an external review. The terms of reference are comprehensive and the first task of the reviewers is to engage directly with PhD researchers.

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