🛡️ Ireland: Minister Jim O’Callaghan Launches 2025 Prison Officer Recruitment Drive and Virtual Prison Tour

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Dublin, 4 July 2025 – Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has officially launched the 2025 recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service, alongside the debut of a new Virtual Prison Tour aimed at enhancing public understanding of prison operations and supporting recruitment efforts.

👮‍♂️ Recruitment Campaign Targets 300 New Officers

The Irish Prison Service is seeking to hire 300 new prison officers through a nationwide competition managed via publicjobs.ie. The campaign follows a successful 2024 intake, which saw 271 officers join from over 1,500 applicants. Applications are open until 1 August 2025, with candidates undergoing a rigorous selection process including written assessments, fitness tests, interviews, and background checks.

Training for successful recruits is accredited by South-East Technological University (SETU), culminating in a Higher Certificate of Arts in Custodial Care, aligned with Level 6 of the NQAI framework.

Minister O’Callaghan emphasized the importance of the role:

“Prison Officers are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system. This campaign is part of a broader investment in our prison infrastructure and rehabilitation services.”

🖥️ Virtual Prison Tour Enhances Transparency and Engagement

The newly launched Virtual Prison Tour is a web-based interactive tool that offers a 360° guided experience of an Irish prison, led by a digitally rendered prison officer. Developed under the Criminal Justice Sectoral Strategy 2022–2024, the initiative aims to demystify prison environments for the public, visitors, and prospective recruits.

The tour includes:

  • Audio-visual overlays explaining daily prison operations
  • A realistic walkthrough of inmate and visitor experiences
  • Strict safeguards to protect sensitive security information

Director General Caron McCaffrey praised the initiative:

“This project showcases the professionalism and dedication of our staff. It’s a vital step in attracting individuals committed to public service and rehabilitation.”

The tour is available on the Irish Prison Service website.

🧭 Strategic Goals and Public Engagement

Both initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to building a safe, fair, and inclusive justice system, while addressing staffing challenges and improving transparency. The Irish Prison Service currently faces overcrowding pressures, with over 5,400 individuals in custody—118% of system capacity.

For more details on the recruitment process and to access the virtual tour, visit the official announcement.


Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan Picture from Houses of the Oireachtas

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