Phones, modems found during search at Portlaoise Prison

More than 30 mobile phones were found during a search operation at Portlaoise Prison today.

The Irish Prison Service said the search began at about 7am in the prison's E Block, which is where "subversive prisoners" are held.

As well as the 37 mobile phones, a number of modems and USB keys were also been found.

It said the search was “intelligence led” and was led by the Operational Support Group, a group of specially-trained prison officers.

“For operational and security reasons no further comment will be made at this stage,” a spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said.