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

I’d like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue.

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 our national research and innovation strategy, Impact 2030, we have committed to ensuring 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, I announced 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.

I met with the Co-Chairs at the end of February where they provided an update on progress of the review.

This independent review is currently underway. The two Co-Chairs are approaching completion of a very comprehensive round of stakeholder consultations and written submissions. The review is considering a range of critical issues including the employment status of PhD researchers, as well as stipend levels and the consistency of supports across the system. There are very significant complexities involved and options will need very careful consideration as part of the review.

Once the Co-Chairs report to me, following consideration by my Department and, where relevant, other departments, the report will be presented to Government. Any decision I make on measures to support PhD researchers will be informed by the outcome of this review.