New prison officer jobs will allow transfers out of Dublin jails says Minister

Job applications have opened for a new round of recruitment for prison officer jobs which will also allow some officers  working in Dublin move to prisons in Portlaoise and other parts of the country.

The recruitment competition is being run by the Public Appointments Service and the Irish Prison Service. The Irish Prison Service intends to recruit up to 216 Recruit Prison Officers in 2019.

Laois TD and Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan welcomed the news.

“I am delighted that the 2019 Recruit Prison Officer competition has now opened, giving people the opportunity to join this very important frontline service. Being a Prison Officer is a very challenging and rewarding role. Prison Officers are required to undertake increasingly complex and diverse tasks, balancing the traditional security focussed role with a renewed emphasis on facilitating rehabilitation.

“Prison staff have the potential and the skills to positively influence prisoners to engage with the many services available in our prisons including training, education and addiction services and as a result makes our communities safer,” he said.

“The positions to be filled by the Irish Prison Service will help to bring the overall staffing compliment of the Irish Prison Service close to full strength. In addition, their appointment will facilitate existing staff, who have been based in Dublin, to transfer to positions closer to their homes. This will be a great benefit to our current prison staff, their families and their communities,” he said.

The Minister went on to say the Irish Prison Service is inviting applicants 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 to apply for these important posts in the criminal justice system. A statement said applicants must also have the ability to think on their feet in dealing with situations which require security and control.

Prison officers train in Portlaoise before spending a period of time in Dublin.

The 2019 Recruit Prison Officer Competition is open until Thursday, March 21 at 3pm. Information on the competition can be found by visiting the Public Appointments Service website at www.publicjobs.ie

PRISON OFFICER RECRUITMENT BOOKLET HERE