Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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271. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the progress that has been made to date with the review of the terms and conditions of employment of PhD worker students; when it is expected that contact will be made with the various PhD stakeholders such as two groups (details supplied) to seek their views; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62938/22]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I was pleased to recently appoint Dr Andrea Johnson and David Cagney as Co-Chairs for the review of state supports for PhD researchers.

The scope of the review includes:

- Current PhD researcher supports including financial supports (stipends, SUSI supports and others);

- The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements across research funders and higher education institutions, including equity and welfare considerations;

- The status of PhD researchers (student, employee) including a review of international comparators and models;

- Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports;

- Graduate outcomes for PhD graduates including return on investment/benefits to the researcher;

- Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.

The Review, informed by a robust evidence base, will be completed in early 2023. The review will look at issues of adequacy, taking account of costs and other issues, such as the exemption of the PhD stipend from income tax.

A list of the stakeholders that will be consulted as part of the review has not yet been agreed. However, it is anticipated that key stakeholders will be consulted as part of the review including, importantly, those representing PhD research students. It is also envisaged that a public call for submissions will be made.

Any submissions that have been already been received by my Department will also be considered as part of this review.