Possible industrial action could exacerbate crisis in Ireland's prisons

Gabriel Keaveny, deputy general secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association said their committee 'will be advising our members to vote for industrial action'

Prison numbers have been hovering around 5,800 all this week — over 1,100 above the maximum possible capacity, which has been expanded, in large part, by bunk beds and mattress on the floors of cells. Photo: Moya Nolan

The crisis in the country’s prison system could deteriorate further next week as prison officers vote on possible industrial action over faltering pay talks.

The national executive of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) said the dispute is over marginal pay increases falling well behind inflation.