Prisons director says assaults are inevitable

The director of the Irish Prison Service says assaults within the country's jails are inevitable.

Brian Purcell was speaking after a marathon meeting with members of the Prison Officers' Association ended without agreement last night.

Mr Purcell denies claims of overcrowding in Irish jails, and says it is not realistic to consider reopening prisons on Spike Island and the Curragh.

He says it is impossible to remove the risk of prisoners attacking staff or other inmates.