Attacks on prison warders ignored - union

The Government and Prison Service management must do more to combat the increasing number of attacks on warders, it was claimed today.

Prison Officers Association president Gabriel Keaveney told delegates at the union’s annual conference the authorities were ignoring their plight.

He said the Prison Service’s only response to the growing number of attacks on officers was to play them down in the media.

“We continue to be seriously concerned about the safety issues and levels of violence experienced by prison officers in their workplace and in some cases at their homes,” he said.

“The details of such incidents over the past year is there for all to see - and in my view this problem has not been addressed.

“Assaults on prison officers in the workplace are on the increase and there appears to be no plan or response to this issue from the management side.” Mr Keaveney demanded to know why more had not been done to protect prison officers.

“I want to state clearly here today that it is not okay to abuse, threaten or assault a prison officer in their place of work or elsewhere for that matter,” he said.

“The only response to these ongoing assaults by Prison Service management is to play them down in the media.

“Winning the PR battle seems to be more of a priority than dealing with the issue itself.”

Mr Keaveney called on Justice Minister Michael McDowell to put into place whatever resources are necessary to combat the attacks on prison officers.

But Mr Dowell insisted his department and the gardai were doing all they could to protect prison officers inside and outside work.

“I can assure you that all the measures necessary to minimise the risk to staff will continue to be taken,” he said.

“I will also ensure that the support of the garda authorities will be available to address the problem as the need arises.

“You will have my full support in the fight against any criminal elements which try to resort to intimidation or threats.”