05/03/2009

Prison Officers Attacked In Mountjoy

Three prison officers have been injured during an attack in Mountjoy prison on Thursday morning.

One of the officers was taken to hospital following the attack in which prisoners on the B wing landing targeted officers at around 9.20am.

A group of prisoners tried to take keys from one officer during which a scuffle erupted. After the incident was brought under control by other prison staff, inmates threw the contents of their chamber pots into the landings.

Fine Gael Justice Spokesman Charlie Flanagan said the attack on prison officers in Mountjoy Prison is the latest symptom of chronic overcrowding in the State's prisons.

"Any attack on prison officers is extremely serious and a terrifying ordeal for the prison officers involved. However, the conditions in prisons have created a tinderbox and it is sadly unsurprising that violence has erupted.

"As well as overcrowding, this crisis has seen the return of the revolving door in which prisoners are released back on to the streets to make way for new arrivals."

(DW/JM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 July 2016
Fitzgerald Unveils Prison Officer Recruitment Campaign
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has unveiled a new recruitment campaign which aims to recruit up to 360 prison officers over the next three years.
18 May 2015
Call For Justice Minister To Provide Safety Assurances At Cork Prison
The Justice Minister is being called to give assurances about the safety of prisoners and staff following a fatal stabbing at Cork Prison. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said the attack was a "serious breach of security".
26 April 2012
Prison Officers Asking For Help With Prison Gangs
The Prison Officers Association says violent and powerful prison gangs are terrorising more compliant or weaker prisoners and prison officers have no clear instructions on how to handle the issue. Union president Stephen Delaney said it was well known that the prison gang problem in the Republic had become a serious issue in recent years.
06 November 2012
Murdered Prison Officer's Funeral Takes Place Today
The funeral of murdered prison officer David Black is due to take place today. The 52-year-old father of two was shot as he drove to his work at Maghaberry Prison. The shooting occurred on the M1 in County Armagh on Thursday. A private service is to be held at the family home in Cookstown.
05 October 2007
Mountjoy Prison Cell Fire
A fire broke out in a cell at Dublin's Mountjoy Prison on Thursday night, according to reports. It is understood that a prisoner had set fire to a cell. However, it is believed that prison staff and fire crews were able to contain the fire quickly. No-one was injured in the incident.