Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wholeheartedly agree with the Senator. These people find themselves in a situation where they are neither here nor there and it is very timely that we bring some certainty to their position. The first report which I referred to provides a picture at a point in time of the range of important issues which need to considered by everyone. Any budgetary implications of the recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary process. A review recommendations will inform the development of a longer term work programme - a 12- to 18-month one - by my Department in collaboration with the stakeholders.It is important there is ongoing collaboration with them. This exercise marks a major inflection point in PhD provision in Ireland and how we can best support it.

As we look towards the next quarter of a century of Ireland's research and innovation system, I am delighted the independent review commissioned by the Minister, Deputy Harris, will make a major contribution.