No evidence Brockwell escape due to lack of Garda resources, Dáil told

There is no evidence or basis for assuming the stabbing of two prison officers by a prisoner escaping custody was due to a lack of Garda resources, Minister Alex White has told the Dáil.

The prisoner, Derek Brockwell, was recaptured by police outside a pub in Belfast city centre on Wednesday. The Portlaoise Prison inmate escaped some 24 hours earlier during a visit to Tallaght Hospital for treatment.

Mr White, who was taking Opposition Leaders' Questions for the Government on Thursday, was replying to Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Niall Collins.

He said the incident remained an operational matter for An Garda Síochána.

“In those circumstances, it would not be appropriate, or indeed arguably even possible, for me to comment on any of the individual aspects of the particular incident to which he refers,’’ he added.

Describing Mr White’s response as “amazing’’, Mr Collins said a previous request for armed escorts for the prisoner had been declined.

“It is clearly the case there is an issue relating to resources,’’ he added.