Gardaí investigate illegal CD copying at Mountjoy

Three prison officers have been suspended after the discovery of a counterfeit CD copying operation within Dublin's Mountjoy Prison.

It follows a raid by officers from the Garda Bureau of Criminal Investigation yesterday in which CDs and DVDs were discovered, including some pornographic discs.

Gardaí entered the prison yesterday afternoon to investigate a possible breach of copyright laws.

More than 100 DVDs and recording equipment were seized. Circumstances suggest they were being reproduced for commercial gain.

Gardaí are investigating an allegation that copies were being sold on to people outside the jail.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell has launched a high level investigation by senior prison management into the claims, while the governor of the prison is due to submit a report on the matter.