Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

85. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the progress of the national review into PhD conditions; if he will provide a full work plan for the review as laid out by the chairs; the meetings the chairs have had or plan to have with stakeholders; and the anticipated date of completion for the review. [6932/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Impact 2030, Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategywhich I was pleased to launch in May of 2022 prioritises the nurturing and development of talent and excellence to build on Ireland’s reputation as an Island of Talent and a location for research excellence and impact. The quality of our researchers is fundamental to the quality of our research system and its collaboration with partners in industry and policymakers, both in Ireland and abroad.

Under Pillar 4 of Impact 2030 we will ensure that researchers have the right skills development and career opportunities so that they can make their maximum contribution, whether in academia, industry, the public sector or elsewhere.

As part of this commitment, my Department has begun a national review of State supports for PhD researchers. I was pleased to appoint Dr Andrea Johnson and David Cagney as Co-Chairs for the review.

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 the first half of 2023.

The Co-Leads for the Review commenced their work in January 2023. As part of detailed preparatory work, they have considered the terms of reference, written stakeholder submissions and the evidence base which has been compiled for the review. Work is underway on reviewing international models. Informed by this preparatory work the Co-Leads are designing the process for stakeholder engagement which will include both stakeholder meetings and written submissions, including meetings with those representing PhD researchers.

The review will conclude by making recommendations to me, which will inform future actions to ensuring a sound framework of PhD supports is in place.