New Prison Officer Recruitment Campaign & New Virtual Prison Tour Launched.

Irish Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Mr Jim O’Callaghan has launched the 2025 recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service.
The target number for new recruits this year is 300, with the competition being conducted through Publicjobs on behalf of the Irish Prison Service.

The Minister is also pleased to launch the Virtual Prison Tour: a new web-based innovative tool that allows visitors, service users, and the wider public to see the inside of 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 for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said: “Prison Officers are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2025. 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. 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.”

Mr O’Callaghan further stated, “I am also pleased to launch the Virtual Prison Tour. This innovative project will greatly enhance the public’s understanding of how our prisons operate. It can also serve as a positive recruitment tool to provide those contemplating a career as a prison officer with the ability to tour their future workplace.”

Ms Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, added: “The Recruit Prison Officer campaign is 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. The incredible work of Prison Officers is complex and often hidden from public view, but our annual competition and the launch of the virtual tour allow us the 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.
I wish to commend all those involved in delivering the Virtual Tour, an innovative and informative project that highlights the professionalism and dedication of our staff across the prison estate. These initiatives are key steps in strengthening public understanding of our work and attracting committed individuals to a challenging yet rewarding career.”

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 prison tour can be found on the Irish Prison Service website HERE .