Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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575. To ask the Minister for Health the number of PhD positions funded by his Department or agencies under the aegis of his Department such as the HSE or the Health Research Board; the average stipend or salary paid to full-time PhD candidates through these funding streams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35288/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department offers a range of education supports to staff including encouraging staff to pursue third level education. Fees are paid in line with Circular 23/07: Post-Entry Education – Refund of Fees, Study Leave and Examination Leave. 

To date in 2022, my Department has paid an average of €8000 in relation to Programme fees for two staff members undertaking PhD/Doctorate programmes. A stipend was not provided, and these programmes are undertaken primarily in the officer’s own time as set out in circular 23/07.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to their workforce.  Information for other agencies under the aegis of my department is being collated and will be provided directly to the Deputy once available.