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 is the first time that State supports for PhD students have been considered holistically in this manner. During their exercise they met with over 35 stakeholder organisations, including an all-day workshop with student groups, and they received over 750 online submissions.

In their reporting, I requested that the Co-Chairs prioritise consideration of a number of issues, including stipend levels. Their first review report was published in June 2023 in which they recommended an increase toward an optimum stipend level of €25,000, subject to funding availability. Under Budget 2024, I secured funding to increase the competitive PhD stipend awards provided by Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council from €19,000 to €22,000 per annum, building on the additional funding that I secured under Budget 2023 and demonstrating my consistent commitment to this issue. My officials and I will continue to engage with the budgetary processes in order to continue our progress on this.

The final report of the Co-Chairs will encompass their examination of the two outstanding elements of their terms of reference: PhD researcher status and issues particularly relevant to underrepresented groups. For each of these elements, the Co-Chairs will present their analysis and findings, based on their extensive consultation process and desk review. The report will be published on my Department's web site in the first quarter of this year.