Prison escort staff 'forget' licenses and are accused of 'wildcat' strike

The Irish Prison Service has accused drivers with the Escort Corp of engaging in "wildcat" industrial action.

The service says 33 prison escort staff reported for duty today, having "forgotten" their driver's licenses.

As a result they said they would not be able to fulfill their driving duties.

In a statement the authority said: "The Irish Prison Service views this action as wildcat industrial action by individual staff which is in total contravention of all industrial relations practices and procedures.

"Such action represents a serious breach of discipline and will be dealt with under the appropriate disciplinary procedure."

Escorts to the Criminal Courts Complex were delayed but the prison service insisted every prisoner who was due to attend court had arrived by 1.30pm or was en route.

It is understood the dispute follows attempts to introduce new rosters for the escort teams to meet changes to courts sittings.

The Irish Prison Service said it understood an agreement had been reached last week.