Recruitment campaign launched in effort to hire 300 new prison officers

The 2025 recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service, which is targeting the recruitment of 300 prison officers, has been launced by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan

The nationwide application process for the roles, through publicjobs.ie, opened on Friday last and will continue until August 1.

The Irish Prison Service stated: "Working as a Recruit Prison Officer can be complex and difficult, but it can be varied, challenging and highly rewarding.

"We are looking for individuals who have the capacity to relate to and engage with prisoners, act with professionalism, tolerance and humanity and the ability to role model positive social behaviour.

"They must also have the ability to think on their feet in dealing with situations which require security and control."

Launching the recruitment campaign, Minister O'Callaghan said: "Prison Officers are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2025.

"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.

"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."

The Minister also launched a new 'virtual prison tour' on the Irish Prison Service website, describing it as "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".

The 2024 recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service attracted more than 1,500 applicants, resulting in 271 prison officers joining the Irish Prison Service.

Information on the 2025 recruitment competition, how to apply, and how to access the online tour, can be found on the Irish Prison Service website.