Armed military personnel will no longer be stationed at Portlaoise Prison

Cabinet discussed more than 60 items on Wednesday including a measure to allow mothers defer maternity leave for up to 52 weeks if they are dealing with serious illness

Defence Forces personnel have been deployed at the prison since 1973 but the Cabinet has deemed their presence no longer necessary. Niall Carson/PA

Armed military personnel will no longer be stationed at Portlaoise Prison as it is now deemed unnecessary.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has obtained Government approval for the withdrawal of armed military personnel from the prison later this year.