Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2005
32 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the contingency plans he has in place to ensure the safety and security of prisons here should the current dispute with the Irish Prison Officers Association lead to industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16141/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware it is the Government's intention, in the event of industrial action by the Prison Officers' Association, to deploy members of both the Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces as necessary. The Deputy will appreciate that, for obvious security reasons, I am not prepared to outline the details of the contingency plans being made. I hope that deployment of the Garda and the Army does not become necessary and I should add that no notice of industrial action has been served to date. However, industrial action would represent a threat to the security of the State and the Government must be prepared to take whatever action is necessary to protect the safety and security of the prisons.
