Prison officers at Limerick jail are to ballot on industrial action today over security arrangements. The move arises from an incident two weeks ago in which three prisoners slashed a prison officer, Mr Alan Kavanagh, with razor blades. Mr Kavanagh had 65 stitches to his neck and face.
Following the attack, staffing levels were increased to allow a security review to take place. But members of the Prison Officers' Association at the prison want the extra staffing extended for six months.
Today the general secretary of the POA, Mr Denis McGrath, will meet the head of the Prison Authority, Mr Sean Aylward. A spokesman said the POA will be seeking general improvements at all prisons.