IPO warns of escalating violence in prisons

The Irish Prison Officers Association said today that it is immensely concerned by escalating violence and gang culture in Irish jails.

It is holding its annual conference in Killarney, Co Kerry.

Prison officers say hardly a week passes without stabbings, assaults or worse as criminal gangs fight for control of the drugs trade.

President of the POA Jim Mitchell is calling on the Justice Minister Dermot Ahern to make prisons safer for officers.

He also says he is more than willing to help in locking up some bankers.