More than 150 prison officers take up posts after graduation ceremony at Croke Park

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan welcomed 159 new prison officers at their graduation ceremony in Croke Park.

A cohort of 159 prison officers graduated at a ceremony in Croke Park and have already taken up posts across the prison service.

Last year, 304 prison officers were recruited following a national campaign, with funding in place for up to 100 more officers and 50 additional staff this year.

“It is a privilege to congratulate these graduates today,” said justice minister Jim O'Callaghan, as he thanked them for their public service and their families for supporting them.

“Prison officers bring strength and compassion to a job that often goes unseen, yet it is crucial for keeping our communities safe.

“As mentors, they will help offenders in their care to rebuild their futures and to find a better path forward. 

"We are fully committed to supporting them with the resources needed to carry out this challenging duty with dignity."

They graduated with a higher certificate in arts in custodial care, a programme developed and delivered jointly by the Irish Prison Service and South East Technological University (SETU).

Irish Prison Service director general Caron McCaffrey described the event as “a proud moment”.

“Our new officers have balanced study, family life, and the demands of a complex environment, and they have done so with integrity and determination,” she said.

'It is a privilege to congratulate these graduates today,' said justice minister Jim O'Callaghan, as he thanked them for their public service and their families for supporting them. File picture

“ As they take up duty across the estate, they bring with them diverse skills, strong values, and a commitment to supporting safety, dignity, and rehabilitation in our prisons."

SETU governing body chair and pro-chancellor Professor Patrick Prendergast said over 1,000 prison officers have taken this course since its introduction in 2017.

“It is vital that we continue to meet the evolving needs of this essential public service,” he said.

The most recent recruitment campaign, held in July last year, drew 1,772 applications. By early March, the Department of Justice said it had received 512 names from Public Jobs, following three batches of interviews.

The next campaign is provisionally scheduled to open from September this year.