Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2012
161 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to recruit graduates into his Department this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24937/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraGraduate entry to the diplomatic service is at Third Secretary level. This is handled centrally by the Public Appointments Service. Unfortunately, due to the current moratorium on recruitment into the public sector, no Third Secretary competition is currently planned. In recent years, my Department has offered a limited number of short-term internships for graduates in the areas of human rights, conflict resolution, disarmament and legal affairs. As they arise, these internships are advertised through the careers offices of Irish third-level institutions.
The Department's Development Cooperation Division, which administers the Irish Aid programme, also offers a number of 18-month internships in development assistance to appropriately qualified candidates. It is expected that further such positions will be available in 2013.
