Prison officers protest Dail over closure of prison

Prison officers angry at the proposed closure of Shanganagh prison in Co Dublin are protesting outside the Dail this morning.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has confirmed he intends to close the young offenders' institution, where 40 prisoners are based.

Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officer's Association, Eugene Dennehy, says his members are furious at the move.

"There is outrage at this decision, this is the first time in the history of the State that prison officers have protested at Dail Eireann.

"A big part of this issue is that all of the people in Shanganagh Castle, especially our members, learned of this decision through the media and that is unacceptable."