Prison officers to take industrial action in Castlerea

Prison officers at Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon are due to mount a one-hour work stoppage today in protest at management's alleged indifference to bullying and harassment allegations.

The Irish Prison Officers Association said several worrying cases have been brought to its attention, include the alleged sexual harassment of a female staff member by a male prisoner.

IPOA general secretary Eugene Dennehy said today's one-hour work stoppage, due to take place between 2pm and 3pm, came about due to management's failure to deal with the matter.

He said prisoners in Castlerea are given too much freedom and prison staff feel powerless and unsafe while working in the jail.