Political Internship Scheme
Promoting migrant participation in Irish politics through political internships with national politicians across Ireland.
For many migrants the lack of diversity and representation in key areas of Irish society is an ongoing visual reminder that we are still some distance away from being a fully inclusive society.
The Immigrant Council is working to change this by promoting diversity and inclusion across all aspects of Irish life, especially politics.
With more migrant involvement, we will see representation grow and a better balance that reflects the changing face of Irish society. This is especially important for young migrants who often tell us they don’t see themselves represented in many leadership areas in Ireland.
One of the ways we are working to increase diversity and inclusion is our Migrant Political Internship Scheme, a mentoring programme that pairs politicians with migrants who want to learn more about Irish politics and get involved in their local communities.
If you are a migrant with an interest in politics looking to get involved, read on.
Information for migrant participants
Are you interested in finding out more about politics in Ireland? Would you like to experience how politics operates on the frontline?
The Immigrant Council will run 10 political internships across Ireland for migrants between March and July 2026. Successful applicants will be placed with a participating politician (local councillors, TDs or Senators).
Orientation and ongoing support will be provided. Please note there is no financial remuneration for participation in this scheme, however, transport and lunch expenses will be provided as well as childcare (provided by a registered childcare provider) costs on a needs basis.
What's involved?
Time commitment: The intern will need to commit approximately 7 hours per week for a 9 week period during internship placement, plus 3 online workshops (90 minutes each). Please note politicians work very flexible hours, including evenings and weekends and you may be required to conduct your internship during those hours too.
Internship content: A more specific schedule of engagement will be developed once an intern is placed with the politician. The content and timetable of the schedule will be defined by the work patterns and needs of the specific politician, and the availability and skills of the intern.
It is expected that the internship could include some of the following:
- Canvassing and election campaign support
- Organising a meeting with local communities
- Voter registration event/activity
- Social media support.
- Research and admin support.
- Visit(s) to the Leinster House.
- Shadowing and attending their advice clinic.
In addition the intern will be required to hold regular debriefing meetings with the project coordinator.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 Political Internship Scheme are now closed.
Information for Politicians
Are you a politician interested in supporting diversity in politics? Would you like to host an intern of a migrant background?
Following successful pilots Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme in 2018, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025, the Immigrant Council will run 10 political internships with politicians across Ireland for migrants between March and July 2026.
Participating politicians will host an intern for one day a week (or equivalent of 7 hours over a few days) for a 9 week period. Orientation and ongoing support will be provided.
In addition the hosting politician will be asked to provide feedback on the internship progress to the project coordinator.
Placements starting date will be flexible to accommodate different work commitments. We aim to start most of the internships in March 2026.
About the 2021 Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme
In 2021, we ran the second internship scheme, successfully pairing 11 migrants and local councillors. Migrants were living in Dublin; Galway; Cork; Kerry and Leitrim. We have received confirmation that some of the interns will be running in the 2024 Local Elections. See some of the testimonies here.
Amir Seifi, born in Iran and currently living in Dublin, he was an intern in 2021 with councillor Daryl Barron from Dublin City Council. Amir had to leave the dictatorship in Iran to start a new life in Dublin. Passionate about politics, Amir will continue a career in politics after finishing his internship.
“We agreed that my cooperation with the councillor will continue and we have discussed plans and projects for 2022. Currently, I have decided to continue to assist him with those plans and reassess the option of running in local elections in the future. One way or another, I am contemplating and considering a career in politics”. Amir Seifi, Co. Dublin.
“This experience has driven home for me the importance of adequate representation in council meetings. I firmly believe that working in a political setting is critical in integrating migrants in the community. A Councillor from a migrant background would certainly be a great influence at council meetings in my opinion as their presence would be a constant reminder of the diversity of the population and help ensure that their interests are considered in decision making.”
- Councillor Uruemu Adejinmi, Longford County Council
The Political Internship Scheme is co-funded by the European Union Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund