Written answers
Wednesday, 5 July 2023
Department of Education and Skills
Third Level Education
Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
229. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether PhDs classified as non-EU will be provided with updated residency visas with a four-year duration, similar to the hosting agreement scheme used for attracting non-EU research talent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33017/23]
Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
230. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a recommendation will be made that PhD researchers have access to PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33018/23]
Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
231. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a recommendation will be made on mandating that PhD researchers have access to sick leave and/or parental leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33019/23]
Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
232. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if a recommendation will be made for PhDs to have access to the Workplace Relations Commission in order to resolve disputes with their university; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33020/23]
Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
233. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether a recommendation will be made on establishing minimum standards for the provision of funding for PhD researchers in Ireland, including minimum standards of pay (such as the national minimum wage); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33021/23]
Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
234. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether a recommendation will be made on the matter of employee status for PhDs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33022/23]
Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I propose to take Questions Nos. 229, 230, 231, 232, 233 and 234 together.
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 research funders, higher education 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.
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/6ae92-minister-publishes-independent-report-on-supports-for-phd-researchers-in-ireland/
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.
Also, my officials will engage with their counterparts in the Department of Justice to discuss the issue around the updated residency visas for non-EU PhD students.
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. Any budgetary implications of recommendations will be dealt with through the normal budgetary processes.
No comments