PRISON officers yesterday voted for a total ban on smoking in prisons, which would apply to staff and inmates. Jails and psychiatric hospitals are among the institutions which were exempted from the smoking ban two years ago.

Plans for a new prison on the outskirts of Dublin to replace Mountjoy jail are motivated by money and not the welfare of prisoners, it was claimed today.

THREE prison officers were admitted to hospital yesterday after a violent disturbance involving members of one of Limerick's feuding gangs.