New prison officer recruitment round for Laois jails

A new round of recruitment has begun for prison officers to work at jails at Laois and elsewhere by the Minister for Justice.

The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan, launched the 2025 recruitment with the aim of hiring 300 officers to work at jails in Portlaoise and other parts of Ireland.

“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 the 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,” he said.

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, outlined the attraction of working in prisons.

“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," she said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Entrance to the Irish Prison Training College in Portlaoise.

The Department of Justice said 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.

The Department says eligible candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews, and background checks.

Successful candidates will, according to the Department, receive training and mentorship to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.

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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.

Some of the training is carried out at the Irish Prison Service Training College at Brian Stack House in Portlaoise.

Applications are accepted online through the publicjobs official website www.publicjobs.ie/en/ starting from 4 July 2025. Further information on the competition and how to apply website at https://www.irishprisons.ie/