100 prisoners stage sit-down protest in Cork

Prison officers in riot gear were drafted into Cork prison last night after a sit-down protest by more than 100 inmates.

The protest began in the afternoon when the prisoners refused to go back to their cells and issued a list of demands.

All available staff were called in.

More than 60 officers in riot gear moved to restrain the inmates who had gathered in the exercise yard.

Order was restored after about three hours. All inmates were returned to their cells.

The prison authorities rejected the prisoners' list of demands after discussions with the Minister for Justice.