Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

98. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of PhD positions funded by his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department; 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. [35431/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is committed to the development of staff, and in my Department’s Statement of Strategy Le Chéile 23 the People Enabler is committed to a focus on staff development; wellbeing and involvement to allow staff to individually and collectively fulfil their potential whilst delivering business goals.

My Department’s Educational Support Policy support is provided to employees in furthering their personal and professional development through part-time study in their own time.  This policy covers courses, provided by a recognised education institution or professional body, that lead to a second or third level educational, vocational or professional qualification, or a qualification in a language other than English (including sign language) and that are pursued primarily in the employee’s own time.

Under this scheme, my Department is currently funding an Officer undertaking a Doctorate in Philosophy in School of Computer Science and Statistics.

Staff may also avail of additional supports such as paid leave arrangements for study leave and exam leave as provided for under Circulars 23/2007 and 33/1964.

The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency.  I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.