Laois recruitment day for new prison officers with generous salary
One of the biggest employers in Laois is recruiting people for what is literally a secure job.
New prison officers are being sought by the Irish Prison Service, offering competitive wages to reflect the challenging career.
The Irish Prison Service (IPS) is holding a recruitment information evening in the IPS College next to Portlaoise prison campus in Laois.
The IPS say “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”.
Recruits must work a basic 2,035 hours per year based on an average roster of 39 hours a week and will be required to work shifts including night duties, every second weekend, some public holidays and over festive seasons.
Recruit Prison Officers are also required to work Additional Hours up to 360 hours per annum.
The entry level salary starts at €38,413.00, rising yearly during probation to nearly €43,000, in addition to that are premium payments for weekend hours, and allowances. After 3 years’ service including probation and a Higher Certificate in Custodial Care, it then jumps to €47,932 and can rise up to nearly €63,000.
A wide age range is eligible, from Laois school leavers aged over 18 and upwards. They also accept recruits from many different countries.
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan launched the 2026 recruitment campaign.
“Prison Officers are at the very heart of our criminal justice system. Being a Prison Officer is a demanding and challenging role but it is also a hugely rewarding one.
“I have travelled to prisons across Ireland and have seen the outstanding work carried out by Prison Officers on a daily basis.
“I look forward to welcoming the new recruits of 2026. This recruitment campaign is a vital part of a much wider investment in our prisons and their people.
“If you are looking for a job that involves serving the public, keeping our communities safe and ensuring you can support people at a critical time in their lives, you should consider joining the Irish Prison Service,” the Justice Minister said.
Caron McCaffrey is Director General of the Irish Prison Service, the first woman in the top job.
“The Recruit Prison Officer campaign is a vital opportunity for the Irish Prison Service to attract individuals who are committed to public service. Prison officers play a vital security role while also serving as catalysts for positive change, guiding individuals in custody towards rehabilitation and helping to make our communities safer,” she said.
The open evening will take place on Wednesday, September 30 from 6pm to 8pm.
Attendees are asked to register their interest ahead of the event, by email to [email protected]
The national recruitment drive opened on September 3, continuing until October 8 and candidates must first register with publicjobs.ie to apply.
Last year’s recruitment campaign attracted more than 1,700 applicants, with 304 prison officers joining the Irish Prison Service.
New employees could be posted to any of the 13 prisons in the state. Portlaoise has two prisons, Midland Prison with a capacity of 891 prisoners and the high security Portlaoise Prison with a capacity of 226.