Minister McEntee launches the 2024 campaign for the position of Recruit Prison Officer in the Irish Prison Service
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From: Department of Justice
- Published on: 29 August 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, today opened the 2024 recruitment campaign for Recruit Prison Officers in the Irish Prison Service and has encouraged driven individuals interested in a worthwhile and fulfilling new career to apply.
This year’s campaign offers applicants the opportunity to embark on a rewarding career within the Irish Prison Service, and to make a positive, lasting impact on society.
The Public Appointments Service, on behalf of the Irish Prison Service, is running this year’s competition, and the Prison Service intends to recruit more than 250 Recruit Prison Officers in 2024.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said:
“The Irish Prison Service and its officers are at the heart of a system that makes our communities safer and changes the lives of those in custody for the better. I am determined that we grow the prison service again this year building on 2023 with this new recruitment competition as well as the increase in the retirement age for those who wish to stay on to 62 years of age, which I announced recently.
“The Government will continue to invest in our prisons to ensure those who join the prison service feel supported in their jobs and can work to the very best of their abilities.,
“I encourage anyone interested in pursuing what is a truly worthwhile and fulfilling career with the Irish Prison Service to consider an application.”
Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, added:
“I am delighted to announce the 2024 Recruit Prison Officer competition is now open. Prison officers play a vital security role while also serving as catalysts for positive change, guiding individuals in custody towards rehabilitation. Together, we envision a safer community through excellence in a prison service built on respect for human dignity.”
The last recruitment competition was held in 2023 and welcomed more than 1800 applicants. The 2024 Recruit Prison Officer Competition will remain open until 26 September 2024 at 3pm.
Information on the competition and how to apply can be found on the Public Appointments Service website at Public Jobs.
ENDS.
Notes for editors:
• Applications will be accepted online through the Public Appointments Service official website https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/starting from 29 August 2024.
• 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 competition will culminate in the selection of a number of candidates who will be offered positions as prison officers within the Irish Prison Service.
• Prison Officer training is accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care and reflects Level 6 of the NQAI framework. South-East Technological University was formed from the amalgamation of two existing institutes of technology in the region - Waterford IT and IT Carlow.