Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for this question. It is a very important one because our greatest resource now for our future economic and social wellbeing is our people. We want to both retain and attract the best and the brightest to carry out research into areas that could make a fundamental societal, economic and educational difference. That is so important to our wellbeing.

Under pillar 4 of our national research and innovation strategy, Impact 2030, we have very clearly articulated the vision that by 2030: "We will be a global leader in nurturing, attracting and retaining talent to drive research and innovation in our higher education and research system, enterprises, communities and public services". I think this is what the Deputy's question is getting at. To do this, we have to better support our PhD researchers. As part of this commitment to achieve that vision, I announced a national review of State supports for PhD researchers. I was very pleased to appoint Dr. Andrea Johnson and Mr. David Cagney as co-chairs for the review. I am also pleased to inform the Deputy that the co-chairs have submitted their first report following a comprehensive round of stakeholder consultations and online submissions, with 35 stakeholder meetings, and they received more than 750 written submissions.

The increase in the cost of living, and career options and pathways for PhD researchers were issues that came across very strongly during this exercise. I am fully aware that the cost-of-living crisis is creating incredibly difficult challenges for PhD researchers. In an effort to bring some tangible and immediate relief, we increased the stipend paid to PhD students in receipt of Science Foundation Ireland, SFI, or Irish Research Council, IRC, awards by €500 in the budget to €19,000, tax free. It is worth noting that, in 2016, the SFI stipend was increased from €18,000 to €18,500 and remained unchanged until 2021. When I became Minister, I also equalised the stipends between the IRC and the SFI. Following careful consideration by me, my officials and, where relevant, other Departments, it is my intention to bring the PhD researcher report to the Cabinet in June. This will enable us to have an informed discussion about how we can better support PhD researchers in advance of the budgetary process, with the budget being in October.

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