A total of 216 prison officers will be recruited this year – the deadline for applications is 21 March.

Justice minister Charlie Flanagan said that the recruitment campaign will give 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 focused role with a renewed emphasis on facilitating rehabilitation,” he said.

Full strength

He added that the new cohort would help to bring staffing levels close to full strength.

The new recruits will also enable Dublin-based staff to move closer to home, if they so wish.

The Irish Prison Service is inviting applicants who can engage with prisoners, act with professionalism, tolerance and humanity and “have the ability to role-model positive social behaviour”.

Information can be found in the coming days at www.publicjobs.ie.