Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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606. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if future supports for PhD students will be distributed equitably amongst students, including students who conduct research under Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine-funded projects. [43922/23]

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 comprised 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.

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

Matters in relation to stipend levels, will be announced later in the week.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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607. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations arising from the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43967/23]

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 comprised 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.

The Co-Chairs have now submitted their second and final report. The totality of their recommendations - both financial and non-financial – are currently being considered by my officials and myself. Financial recommendations are being managed through the normal budgetary processes. An 18-month work programme to implement appropriate recommendations is under development by my Department.