Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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163. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied) in view of his statement in Dáil Éireann on 15 December 2020 in relation to same; and if he has responded to correspondence from the organisation of 25 January 2021. [13629/21]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Higher Education Authority and Quality Qualifications Ireland co-chair the National Advisory Forum for Ireland’s Framework for Doctoral Education. Membership of the Forum also comprises representatives of the higher education institutions, research funding organisations, IUA, THEA, student representative, and the Department. It was agreed at the last meeting of the Advisory Forum that a sub group would be established to consider issues raised in relation to PhD students, including examining international practice. This sub-group is in the process of being established.

Separately, officials from my Department met with officials from the HEA on the issue. Following these meetings it was agreed that information would be collected from all of the higher education institutions. This information is being compiled. In addition, information has also been collected from a number of research funding agencies on any terms and conditions that they specify when allocating grants to PhD students. The information when compiled will also assist the Advisory Forum’s sub-group in its deliberations.

I am happy for the Postgraduate Workers Alliance to provide a submission to my Department to assist with our consideration of these issues.