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.

In their first report, the Co-Chairs recommended an increased stipend toward an optimum level of €25,000, subject to funding availability.

Under Budget 2024, I am increasing the PhD stipends provided by the competitive funding agencies under my Department (Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council), to bring them to €22,000 per student per year.

I also secured the full restoration of student maintenance grants for postgraduate students from September 2024, helping all eligible students at this level in need of support. A pro-rata increase will be effective from January 2024 and there will also be a €1,000 increase to the postgraduate fee contribution grant, bringing it up to €5,000.

According to the latest statistics from the Higher Education Authority, there were just over 1,500 PhD graduates in 2022. The purpose of these increased supports is to contribute to the quality of the PhD candidate experience, rather than to increase the quantity of candidates. These measures progress the Impact 2030 vision to build on Ireland’s reputation as an Island of Talent and a location for research excellence and impact.