Prison officer recruitment campaign launched 

A new recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service has been launched.

Last week, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan announced the prison officer drive, which seeks to recruit 300 officers.

The minister also launched the ‘Virtual Prison Tour’: a new web-based innovative tool that allows visitors, service users, and the wider public to see inside an Irish prison, guided by a digitally created prison officer. This project aims to increase public understanding of how our prisons function and operate on a day-to-day basis.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Callaghan said that prison officers are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system.

“I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2025,” he said. “I am very pleased to launch this year’s recruitment campaign which is a key part of a much wider investment by government in our prison system.

“Prisons not only provide a secure environment and act as a deterrent, but through the dedication and compassion that prison officers also provide to offenders, prisons are a place for rehabilitation and education.” He said that the government is committed to ensuring that all prison officers are enabled and equipped to do their jobs to a high standard in a workplace where they feel safe and protected.

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, added the recruitment campaign is a vital opportunity to attract individuals who are committed to public service and rehabilitation.

The 2024 recruitment campaign attracted more than 1500 applicants, resulting in 271 prison officers joining the Irish Prison Service. The 2025 Recruit Prison Officer Competition will remain open until 1 August 2025.

Information on the competition and how to apply, and to access the tour can be found on the Irish Prison Service website.