20 February, 2020

An evening will take place whereby 52 guests will sit down to a 4-course meal at Cork Prison, prepared by seven inmates. The pop-up restaurant called ‘The Open Door’, will be located on one of the landings in Cork Prison. 

images:Irish Prison Service

These prisoners are currently undertaking an intensive 8-week course in collaboration with CIT's Department of Tourism and Hospitality, having gone through an interview process to prove their interest and enthusiasm for the programme. 

As well as learning practical culinary skills, prisoners will be taught complementary skills through a home economics module. CIT Culinary Arts lecturer JJ Healy said their interest, attention to detail and finished products were excellent after completion of their first class

Over 30 of the guests dining at The Open Door will be potential employers from the hospitality industry. Having previously attended an open day at the Dept Of Tourism and Hospitality, these industry partners are supporting this initiative and have indicated their interest and willingness to offer participants employment on their release. They understand that these individuals are willing to work hard to gain a qualification, which will prepare them for employment when they leave prison.

After completing the course delivered by CIT staff members, with support from CIT Access Service, participants will receive a Special Purpose Award ‘Practical Cookery Skills’ worth 5 ECTS credits. As part of the initiative, the prisoners will also complete the Level 2 Primary Food Hygiene Award from the Environmental Health Officers Association, a compulsory award which is required to work full-time in a commercial kitchen and considered a bonus credential by future employers.

With a current lack of qualified chefs in the hospitality sector, this collaboration benefits both industry and prisoners greatly, creating a talent pool of motivated employees while enabling ex-prisoners to retrain and enter the workforce.

For further information on this initiative contact: JJ.Healy at jj.healy@cit.ie

To explore how CIT can collaborate with you, email extendedcampus@cit.ie or call 021 4335302