New professional development initiative will support Gardaí working with individuals and communities affected by addiction.
SETU has partnered with An Garda Síochána to deliver a professional development programme aimed at supporting Gardaí working with individuals and communities affected by addiction, and working with recovery and reintegration.
The collaboration forms part of the next phase of SETU’s Reintegration Pathway Project, which seeks to widen access to education and strengthen supports for individuals experiencing addiction, homelessness, and other life-controlling challenges.
Through the initiative, SETU has developed a Level 8 Certificate in Restorative Practice through a pilot project providing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for Gardaí working directly with individuals, families and communities affected by addiction.
The pilot involves engagement with Garda units in the Wexford and Wicklow division and recognises the important role frontline Gardaí can play in understanding the challenges associated with addiction, supporting individuals through recovery and connecting them with appropriate services.
The programme aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and professional practice while strengthening collaboration between higher education, policing, addiction recovery services and the wider community.
“This collaboration with An Garda Síochána represents an important step forward in our ongoing commitment to widening access to education and supporting individuals and communities affected by addiction. Through our partnership with Tiglin, we have seen first-hand the transformative role education can play in recovery and reintegration.
By extending these learning opportunities to frontline Gardaí, we aim to strengthen understanding, promote restorative approaches and equip participants with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively and compassionately to the complex challenges associated with addiction. We are delighted to build on our existing partnerships and work collaboratively towards more positive outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”
Rosemary Flynn Head of Department - Director of Lifelong Learning, SETU
“Wexford Wicklow Division is proud to be the first division within An Garda Síochána to participate in this Level 8 Certificate in Restorative Practice at SETU. This programme represents an important opportunity to enhance our understanding of addiction, recovery and reintegration, and to strengthen how we engage with individuals, families and communities affected by these challenges.
An Garda Síochána has an important role to play in recognising the challenges faced by people experiencing addiction and in facilitating connections with appropriate supports and services.
We welcome our collaboration with SETU and look forward to building on this partnership to support recovery, reintegration, and safer communities.”
Superintendent Jarlath Duffy Wexford South Community Engagement Functional Area
The initiative builds on a longstanding partnership between SETU’s Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning and Tiglin, first established in 2016 to support individuals experiencing addiction, homelessness and other significant life challenges.
Supported by Higher Education Authority (HEA) Systems Performance Funding awarded in 2022, the partnership expanded access to higher education by bringing educational opportunities directly into recovery, homelessness and custodial settings.
Following the conclusion of this phase in December 2025, SETU secured further funding through the HEA-managed Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), supporting the continued development of the Reintegration Pathway Project over three years, from 2026 to 2028.
A central focus of this new phase is recognising the contribution of frontline professionals who work directly with people affected by addiction and who are often well placed to identify challenges, provide support and facilitate access to services.
The collaboration with An Garda Síochána represents an important development in this work, extending educational opportunities beyond individuals in recovery to the professionals and services supporting them.
Learning from the pilot will help inform future delivery of continuous professional development to An Garda Siochana and opportunities for collaboration between SETU, Tiglin and An Garda Síochána.