A “small” number of officers have already received the training, which is due to be extended further over the next few years, The Times reports.

In a statement, the Department of Justice said: “Just as the threat from terrorism is multidimensional and complex, our responses and preventative measures must be multifaceted and combat all stages of terrorism and violent extremism.

“The vital work carried out by our policing and security authorities must be complemented by strong, long-term measures to avoid an environment conducive to the social exclusion and polarisation that might lead to radicalisation and violent extremism.

“The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has developed an initiative in relation to the training of prison staff by specialist personnel, to help staff identify any evidence of radicalisation and prevent it. This now forms part of the security training package for new recruits, and it is envisaged this module will form part of the training and development programme for all prison staff in the future.”