Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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500. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of PhD positions funded by her Department or bodies under the aegis of her Department; the average stipend or salary paid to full-time PhD candidates through these funding streams; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35435/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is currently funding one member of staff to undertake a Doctorate in Governance (DGov) with the Institute of Public Administration. The individual is currently in their second year of a five year programme. The total cost of this is €32,000, of which the Department is funding 60% i.e. €19,200.

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the agencies, bodies and offices under the remit of my Department in relation to the number of PhD positions funded.

I am informed that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has no full-time PhD candidates. However, I understand that GSOC is supporting 3 students studying for DGov in and PhD qualifications in their own time under the Refund of Fees Scheme.

I am advised that the Irish Prison Service (IPS) has one full time PhD student who receives a payment from the IPS of €8,000 per Annum, and that the remainder is covered by the University.

I am also advised that the Legal Aid Board is supporting 3 members of its staff who are undertaking PhDs, via the Refund of Fees Scheme.

A number of organisations have not been able to respond in the time available but I can assure the Deputy that the information will be obtained as soon as possible and I will write to the Deputy once this is to hand.