Defence Forces receive prison training

MEMBERS of the Defence Forces are receiving detailed briefings and training on how to run the State’s prisons in the event of a strike by officers.

The briefings have been stepped up in recent weeks despite the Prison Officers’ Association handing over a submission that it hopes will solve the long-running impasse between officers and management.

The gardaí are also planning for the worst-case scenario: a mass walkout by officers. Rank-and-file gardaí said they have been told refresher courses in riot training, which are ongoing across the country, are connected to a potential strike, though this has been denied by garda headquarters.