Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and the Minister of State for coming to the Chamber to discuss my matter. I understand the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science is currently undertaking a review in regard to PhD students and their status as a student versus an employee because, in many cases, people are lecturing, carrying out research, are working with companies, and are being sponsored by companies. My question is about PhD students and access to PRSI. While the PhD students are studying, they are working at the same time. Are they going to have access to PRSI? Perhaps the Minister of State is not in a position to answer today but it is something I wish to highlight because when these PhD students come to retirement age, they must have so many contributions. It is, therefore, very important that we look at this issue.