The 2025 recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service (IPS), which aims to attract 300 new recruits, was launched by the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, in early July.
Minister O’Callaghan said that this year’s recruitment campaign is a key part of a much wider investment by government in the Irish prison system. “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.”
This year’s recruitment campaign was launched on 4 July by the Minister, in conjunction with the 360° virtual prison tour. The tour is a new web-based innovative tool that allows visitors, service users and the general public to see inside an Irish prison, guided by a digitally created prison officer. This project aims to increase public understanding of how Ireland’s prisons operate on a day-to-day basis.
Caron McCaffrey, IPS Director General, described the recruitment campaign as “a vital opportunity to attract individuals who are committed to public service and rehabilitation, and who will play a central role in maintaining safe and secure prison environments”.
IPS Director General Caron McCaffrey.pinpoints some highlights of the new 360° virtual prison tour to Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
She noted that the annual recruitment competition coupled with the launch of the virtual tour provides the Irish Prison Service with “an opportunity to let the public see the teamwork, integrity, potential, safety and support that prison officers not only offer to prisoners, but to their colleagues as well”.
Eligible candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews, and background checks. Successful candidates will receive extensive training and mentorship to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.
The 11 Steps to the Recruitment Process.
Eligible candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews, and background checks. Successful candidates will receive extensive training and mentorship to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.
Prison officer training is accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care. SETU was formed with the amalgamation of Waterford IT and IT Carlow.
Applications will remain open until Friday 1 August.
Last year’s recruitment campaign attracted more than 1,500 applicants resulting in 271 prison officers joining the service.
