04/09/2026
Minister Jim O’Callaghan Welcomes 2026 Prison Officer Recruitment Drive
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, has welcomed the start of the Irish Prison Service's 2026 recruitment campaign for Prison Officers, announced on 3 September 2026.
The competition is being run through publicjobs.ie on behalf of the Irish Prison Service and will remain open until 8 October 2026. Further details on the competition and how to apply are available at www.irishprisons.ie/.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Callaghan said: "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."
Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, added: "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."
The 2025 campaign drew more than 1,700 applicants, with 304 new Prison Officers joining the service last year.
Applications will be accepted online through publicjobs.ie from 3 September 2026. Eligible candidates will undertake a multi-stage selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews and background checks. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care, aligned to Level 6 on the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland framework.
The competition is being run through publicjobs.ie on behalf of the Irish Prison Service and will remain open until 8 October 2026. Further details on the competition and how to apply are available at www.irishprisons.ie/.
Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Callaghan said: "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.
Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, added: "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."
The 2025 campaign drew more than 1,700 applicants, with 304 new Prison Officers joining the service last year.
Applications will be accepted online through publicjobs.ie from 3 September 2026. Eligible candidates will undertake a multi-stage selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews and background checks. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive training accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU) as the Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care, aligned to Level 6 on the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland framework.
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Ireland WeatherToday:Variable amounts of cloud and some bright or sunny spells. There will be a few passing showers but some a fair amount of dry weather too. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Any showers will die out this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with clear periods. Freshening southerly winds along the east coast later. Minimum temperature 13 °C.