Top employers in the Public Sector

The most popular graduate recruiters in the public sector, as voted for by students for the 2024/25 Student survey, run by gradireland and our research partner Cibyl. You can read the 2024/25 edition here.

1. Department of Education & Skills

The Department of Education & Skills is responsible for teaching in the Republic of Ireland and covers service delivery, policy formulation, research and evaluation. Vacancies in the civil and public service can frequently be found here.

2. European Commission

The European Commission is the EU’s executive body. It drafts proposals for new European laws and manages the day-to-day business of implementing EU policies and administering EU funds.

3. Civil Service

Responsible for delivering administrative, clerical, technical support, and other functions at various levels, throughout the public sector

4. Health Service Executive (HSE)

Responsible for delivering thousands of different health and social services in hospitals and communities across the country. The state's largest employer.

5. Tourism Ireland

Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination.

6. Local Government

Local authorities provide regional government legislative and administrative support throughout the country.

7. Enterprise Ireland

Government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. It works in partnership with Irish businesses to help them start, grow and develop.

8. An Garda Siochana

The national policing service of the Republic of Ireland, with over 12,000 law enforcement and civilian personnel.

9. Foróige

Foróige is a youth development organisation engaging over 50,000 young people and 5,500 volunteers across Ireland. 

10. The Defence Forces

Provides capability for defence of the Republic of Ireland and UN mandated peacekeeping missions worldwide.

The Ireland's 100 leading graduate employers survey is part of the European Student Barometer and is conducted by Europe's leading graduate research firm, Cibyl.

For more information on major graduate employers visit gradireland employers.