Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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399. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the departmental review of PHDs; if he will provide a timeline for its publication; if his attention has been drawn to recent concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30413/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In November 2022, I appointed Dr Andrea Johnson and Mr David Cagney to undertake an independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers. This reflects the objective, under the dedicated Talent Pillar of Impact 2030, Ireland’s national research and innovation strategy, for a consistent research student experience across funders, institutions and research disciplines.

The Review Terms of Reference comprise examination of:

• Current financial supports for PhD researchers,
• The adequacy, consistency and equity of current arrangements,
• The status of PhD researchers (employee/ student) including a review of international comparators,
• Impact on the funding of research programmes of any adjustments to current supports,
• Graduate outcomes, including return on investment,
• Visa requirements and duration for non-EU students.

In this first report, based on extensive consultation and analysis, the Co-Chairs provide recommendations on the following:

• Financial supports for PhD researchers, with particular regard to stipend levels;
• Issues encountered by PhD researchers coming to Ireland from outside the European Union/ European Economic Area;
• Improving PhD graduate outcomes.

Because of their particular complexity, the following elements of the terms of reference will require deeper analysis prior to final recommendations being made:

• Consistency and equity of approaches in how PhD researchers are supported, for example, those coming from underrepresented groups;
• The status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee.

This first report provides a rich picture, at a point in time, of a range of important issues that now need to be considered by all stakeholders. All review recommendations will inform the development of a longer-term (12-18 months) work programme by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.