Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for this question.

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. We have also committed to fostering a consistent research student experience, across funders, institutions and research disciplines.

As part of this commitment, I announced an independent 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 Co-Chairs have now submitted their first report following a very comprehensive round of stakeholder consultations and online submissions, with 35 stakeholder meetings held and over 750 written submissions received.

The Co-Chairs have indicated that further work and engagement is required with respect to some aspects of the terms of reference, particularly regarding the status of PhD researchers.

Following consideration by myself and my officials and, where relevant, other departments, this report will be presented to Government in advance of publication.

Any decision that I will make on measures to support PhD researchers will be informed by the outcome of this Review and, where additional expenditure arises, the annual Budgetary process.