'AMLÉ' (Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn) is the new name for the Union of Students in Ireland. It's a direct translation.
Welcome Conversations: AMLÉ Responds to Minister Lawless’ Global Talent Initiative – But First, Let’s Talk About the Basics
AMLÉ acknowledges the ambition of Minister James Lawless’ Global Talent Initiative, which aims to attract international researchers, particularly from the United States, to Ireland. The plan is focused on sectors such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, climate change, and semiconductor research—areas that are critical to the future of the global economy. There’s no doubt that Ireland has an opportunity to become a leading hub for innovation in these fields. AMLÉ welcomes international talent and is excited for the potential this initiative brings to enrich the diversity and strength of Ireland’s research environment.
However, AMLÉ is concerned that the Government’s strategy places too much emphasis on external recruitment without first addressing the internal issues that are currently holding back Ireland’s research sector. While Minister Lawless’ initiative may appear to be a positive step, it risks overlooking the precarious working conditions of those who are already contributing to Ireland’s research environment.
Chris Clifford, President of AMLÉ, commented: “While we welcome any initiative aimed at boosting Ireland’s global standing in research, we cannot ignore the reality on the ground. Researchers in Ireland—especially postgraduates—are already dealing with some of the lowest stipend rates in Europe, lack of basic employment rights, and an overall sense of insecurity. How can we expect to attract top-tier global talent when those already here are struggling to make ends meet?”
Sarah Fitzpatrick, VP for Postgraduate Affairs, added: “The Government’s focus on high-demand sectors like AI and quantum computing is admirable, but it’s important to remember that attracting talent is only part of the equation. Many of Ireland’s current researchers are already burdened with low stipends, excessive teaching duties, and a lack of benefits. How is a short-term plan like this supposed to work when we’re still stuck with conditions that make it difficult to retain the talent we already have?”
The Underlying Challenges in Ireland’s Research Sector
AMLÉ has long called for improvements to Ireland’s research environment, particularly for postgraduates and early-career researchers. Issues such as low stipend rates, lack of employment protections, and absence of social security benefits remain significant barriers. These deep-rooted problems won’t be solved by a Global Talent Initiative that focuses solely on attracting specific international talent while ignoring the needs of those already here.
AMLÉ has long called for improvements to Ireland’s research environment, particularly for postgraduates and early-career researchers. Issues such as low stipend rates, lack of employment protections, and absence of social security benefits remain significant barriers. These deep-rooted problems won’t be solved by a Global Talent Initiative that focuses solely on attracting specific international talent while ignoring the needs of those already here.
Immigration and Visa Concerns
While the initiative targets highly skilled international researchers, it fails to address broader issues like complex visa policies and high living costs, which deter long-term career development. Without reform in these areas, the initiative may attract short-term talent but fail to retain it.
While the initiative targets highly skilled international researchers, it fails to address broader issues like complex visa policies and high living costs, which deter long-term career development. Without reform in these areas, the initiative may attract short-term talent but fail to retain it.
A Call for a Comprehensive Approach
AMLÉ urges the Government to not only focus on attracting new talent but also improve conditions for existing researchers. This includes raising stipend rates, offering employment protections, and reforming visa and residency pathways.
AMLÉ urges the Government to not only focus on attracting new talent but also improve conditions for existing researchers. This includes raising stipend rates, offering employment protections, and reforming visa and residency pathways.
“Instead of chasing the next opportunity, the Government should focus on creating sustainable conditions for both local and international researchers to thrive,” said Clifford.
ENDS