Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since the establishment of this Department, we have made a number of changes to help PhD researchers. The first was to increase the Irish Research Council stipend to match that of Science Foundation Ireland. Then, in Budget 2023, I was pleased to be able to increase the stipend to €19,000 for 2023 for PhD students currently supported by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council.

In this Budget, we have made significant and substantial change. I have secured funding to increase the PhD stipend provided by the competitive funding agencies under my Department – Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council to €22,000 per student per annum for their approximately 3,000 stipend awardees. This is an increase of approximately 16% and is more than our nearest neighbour in the United Kingdom.

It is important to clarify the independent National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers, recommended an increase towards an optimum stipend level of €25,000, but it also said this was subject to funding availability and cognisant of the impact of any stipend change on public finances. It recommended an increase take place no later than January 2024 and that has now happened.

I have always said this was Step One. We will continue to work with colleagues across Government to make further changes for PhD researchers.

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’ first review report was published on 26 June 2023 and is available on www.gov.ie. The following element of the terms of reference required further analysis prior to recommendations being made due to its particular complexity. This includes the status of a PhD researcher, i.e. classification as either a student or an employee The Co-Chairs have now submitted their final review report and this is currently being considered by my officials, alongside a response from the Department. An 18-month work programme to implement appropriate recommendations is also under development. Consultation with other relevant Departments will be required.