Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is again very positive and reassuring. It is better than I was expecting, which is good. As the Minister will be aware, it is not just about the fourth level students; it is about third level students and the downstream consequences. If we do not support our PhD researchers, there will be huge consequences for teachers at third level and also in regard to exam invigilation, the supervision of labs, exam correction and all of that good stuff as well. Currently, we are out of kilter with international best practice. As the Minister rightly said, if we want our best and brightest to go through PhD pathways, it is important that we support them.

I very much welcome the fact that the report will be published before the summer recess. I presume, based on what the Minister said, that the co-chairs have recommended very ambitious proposals. If they are in the right direction, I will be very supportive of them, and I would be very happy to support any Government proposals in that regard.

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