From January, I will increase PhD stipends

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial This is a huge disappointment. Only effects IRC and SFI funded PhDs, further driving up inequality among PhDs. Far short of the 25k promised in the review for SFI and IRC. No indexing of the stipend for future inflation. No PRSI or parental leave / sick leave.

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial A tiny non-living-wage support to just a fraction of #PhD researchers in Ireland.... You've made it so clear that Ireland is simply NOT the place for international researchers for their careers. Thanks for making this crystal clear.

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial Appreciate the effort - but if this is the results of an over year-long review process, to bump it up 3k from 2010 levels, not adjusting for all the inflation since & ending up with different stipends across different funding sources again, it’s is a massive disappointment!

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial I am not able to express with words how incredibly disappointed I am right now. You sit there telling us that we’re the top talent and you’re still treating us as “less than a living wage “-worthy. #PGRsdeservebetter

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial Breadcrumbs for a select few. In 10 years time when you are crying out for medical, technological and societal advancement don’t be surprised when it doesn’t come. #Budget2024 #PGRsDeserveBetter

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial All you're doing is widening the inequality between funded and non-funded PhDs. Stipends are only given to a minority of PhDs so this is just a cop out so you can say you've done something. A typical policy of the current government.

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial Still below a living wage. Still only supporting the vast minority of PhD researchers in Ireland. We will not be satisfied by a move that's PR driven to make you look better in your bid for Taoiseach. Prepare for action. #PGRsDeserveBetter #ResearchIsWork

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial A raise, yes, but let's compare apples to apples. While @tcddublin sets the bar at 25K from Sept '23, only IRC and SFI see a bump to 22K from Jan '24. As #PhD researchers, we don't seek applause, just the fairness we #Deserve. Surely, we can do the math. Can you?

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial Ah so this is why it wasn't announced on the day, it falls short of the bare minimum your own report recommended.

@DeptofFHed @IUAofficial Disappointed but hardly surprised. This attempt at appeasement falls ridiculously short of both the demands of @PWO_Ireland and the recommendation given to YOUR department by an internal review called by YOU for PhD positions that YOU wanted to establish in Ireland.