The British Government has won its High Court bid to obtain a permanent ban on industrial action by prison officers.

The Prison Officers’ Association claims it has been denied a face-to-face meeting with Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan in relation to serious concerns it has regarding the investigation of assaults by inmates on prison officers.

State authorities estimate there will be more than 100 assaults by prisoners on staff this year, the Oireachtas justice committee heard yesterday.

Police and specialist guards have been called to a prison following reports of a riot involving up to 200 inmates.