Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
463. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the details of the procurement process undertaken in respect of the nearly €25,000 payment by the Irish Prison Service to persons (details supplied); if a formal tender was conducted; and if he will provide the business case or approval note underpinning this expenditure. [53853/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised the Irish Prison Service is seeking to increase staffing levels to meet the current demand on the service.
Recruitment campaigns are put in place as required, and since 2016 the Irish Prison Service, in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service, has run eight Recruit Prison Officer campaigns. There have been annual campaigns since 2022.
This year the Irish Prison Service aims to recruit 300 prison officers. The 2025 recruitment campaign concluded on 31 July 2025 generating a total of 1,774 applications, up 8% from 1,642 in 2024 which had seen a 17% decrease in applications compared to 2023.
I am informed that the podcast partnership was sourced on a sole supplier basis. The Irish Prison Service state that, at the time of campaign planning, the podcast in question was Ireland’s most listened-to podcast. I am also informed that as part of the planning process, a quotation was sought from an alternative supplier. However, following assessment, the podcast in question was selected on the basis of the audience reach so that he campaign would meet its objectives.
