Issue Date: 3rd December 2021
An Garda Síochána Commences Internship 2021
- 26 Interns commence work placements in An Garda Síochána
26 interns who were selected following a competitive selection process commenced work with An Garda Síochána on Tuesday 30 November 2021. Almost 500 people applied to be part of the 2021 Garda Internship.
The 26 interns (14 female/ 12 male) commenced their paid administrative placements in a diverse range of Operational Stations and Support sections throughout An Garda Síochána.
- 2 Dublin Region
- 3 North West Region
- 2 Southern Region
- 2 Eastern Region
- 2 Garda College
- 13 Garda Headquarters/ Support Sections
The interns, 14 school-leavers and 12 graduates bring their diverse academic knowledge, practical skills as well as additional language proficiency to An Garda Síochána.
Following on from an induction day, the Garda Interns will participate on a bespoke learning and development programme designed to increase their understanding of the operation of the Irish criminal justice system and civil service, and build key transferrable skills.
Speaking on this initiative, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said:
"We in An Garda Síochána warmly welcome the 26 interns who have commenced their placements in our organisation. We hope that the coming months will be fruitful for both the individuals who have joined us and for the organisation itself. I am confident that the learnings which will derive from both sides will serve to strengthen and enhance the relationship between An Garda Síochána and the communities we serve and I very much hope these young people will be inspired to pursue a future career in the public service in the many opportunities it offers.”
Commissioner Harris also commended the interns’ enthusiasm and commitment to equality, noting that these qualities will stand to each of them as they embark on their careers in public service.
Deputy Commissioner Shawna Coxon, Strategy, Governance and Performance, under whose remit this programme falls also spoke with the interns and said:
"An Garda Síochána is a great place to work and Garda personnel serve the community in a variety of ways that are rewarding and challenging. You are embarking on this together as a team. More is possible in life than you think. Dream big for yourself but focus on the day to day.”
Background:
The Garda Internship programme is part of An Garda Síochána’s Equality Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Statement & Action Plan 2020 – 2021.
This internship aims to increase the accessibility, understanding of, and potential for a career in An Garda Síochána for school-leavers and graduates, particularly those from groups typically underrepresented in the organisation. It is a first of its kind initiative for An Garda Síochána.
To be eligible for this internship, candidates had to identify as belonging to a group recognised as facing a greater risk of inequality or social exclusion in Irish society, including:
o Irish Traveller or Roma
o Minority Ethnic or Migrant background
o Socially or Economically Disadvantaged
o Consider yourself to have a Disability
o Lone Parent or Female Headed Household
o LGBTI+, with candidates who are transgender, or transitioning to a new gender, particularly encouraged to apply.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2021-2022 of An Garda Síochána outlines the organisation’s commitment to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce in order to better reflect the diversity of Irish society and to learn from multiple perspectives and experiences.
The programme is in-line with a key recommendation of the Report on the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, which specifically identified a need for An Garda Síochána to strengthen its efforts to recruit a more diverse workforce through the development of an Access Programme, aligned with national inclusive education initiatives. Delivery of this programme fulfils an objective of the current police reform programme ‘A Policing Service for our Future’.
