The pilot programme was co-managed by the Irish Prison Service, the Department of Tourism and Hospitality and the access service at Munster Technological University (MTU) and was designed to train and education prisoners to improve and develop both their culinary skills and workplace learning.

Invited guests were seated in the education unit of the prison, transformed into a restaurant called “The Open Door”, and served by hospitality management students from MTU on the night.

Peter O’Brien, Governor of Cork Prison, said: “I am delighted to announce the launch of this new initiative, The Open Door, here at Cork Prison. This project will enhance the rehabilitative and employment options for all those who work and train here in the years to come.”

Deirdre Creedon, access officer at MTU’s Cork campus, said: “This initiative developed following a successful MTU taster lecture series in the prison which was delivered by volunteer academic staff.

“There was an interest from the participants to learn more about culinary skills and it was great to be able to design and deliver a special purpose award that allows prisoners an opportunity to avail of learning opportunities and qualifications that make them more employable when released.”