Officer ‘hospitalised over bullying and harassment’
The officer, a middle-aged man who came late to the service, is one of a number who have accused members of staff at Castlerea Prison of harassment.
Prison officers at the jail which houses among others IRA members jailed for the killing of Garda Jerry McCabe have threatened further strike action.
They walked out in February after complaining the Prison Service was not dealing with the issue, a claim denied by management. At the time, they also cited an alleged case of sexual harassment against a female officer by an inmate, later transferred.
Prison Officer Association general secretary John Clinton said: "There is now a complete breakdown in industrial relations at the prison."
He called for an independent assessment of the issues and the involvement of the civil service mediator.
The POA want an independent nationwide review of claims of bullying and harassment, sexual or otherwise.
In the case of the officer receiving treatment, a source who has followed the case said it involved allegations of sustained verbal abuse and continually being given tasks that were impossible to carry out in the time given.
The prison service is negotiating with the POA on introducing an agreed code of practice on the issue.
