Hundreds of new prison officers being recruited for jails in Laois and elsewhere

The Government will continue to invest in our prisons to ensure those prison officers and others working for the Irish Prison Service (IPS) feel supported, according to the Minister Justice.

Minister Helen McEntee, made the pledge as she officially opened the 2024 recruitment campaign for 250 recruit prison officers.

A statement from her Department said this year’s campaign offers applicants the opportunity to embark on a rewarding career within the service and to make a positive, lasting impact on society.

The Public Appointments Service is running this year’s competition which the IPS hopes will culminate in 250 Recruit Prison Officers hired in 2024.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee spoke about the recruitment drive.

“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. MORE BELOW PAY SCALE.

“I encourage anyone interested in pursuing what is a truly worthwhile and fulfilling career with the Irish Prison Service to consider an application,” she said.

Caron McCaffrey, IPS Director General, added her views.

“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,” she said.

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.

Applications will be accepted online through the Public Appointments Service official website https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/ starting from 29 August 2024. MORE DETAILS BELOW PICTURE.

Midlands Prison Portlaoise.

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

It adds that successful candidates will receive 'extensive training and mentorship' to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role. Some of the training takes place at the IPS training college in Portlaoise.

The competition will culminate in the selection of a number of candidates who will be offered positions as prison officers.

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.