Some 35 "Real" IRA prisoners in Portlaoise Prison are being confined to their cells after a stand-off on Friday night in which one prisoner and four wardens were injured, writes Security Editor, Jim Cusack.
The incident started on Friday, when the prisoners refused to leave the recreation hall in "E" Wing, a spokesman for the Prisons Authority said yesterday. It is understood the prisoners were unhappy at a decision taken that day to refuse temporary release for one of the "Real" IRA prisoners to visit his child who was in hospital.
They remained in the recreation hall until 8.45 a.m. on Saturday, when prison officers donned "control and restraint" equipment and forced their way into the hall.