The Prison Officers’ Association has condemned a “cowardly” arson attack on an officer’s home last night. 

Gardaí are investigating the incident, which happened in Meath at 11.30pm yesterday. 

They said no injuries have been reported. 

The POA said the “cowardly” arson attack was “extremely sinister in nature and could have led to loss of life”. 

Deputy Secretary Gabriel Keaveny said there is “no doubt” the attack is “related to the prison officer’s work”. 

“We now call on the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner to take whatever action is necessary to ensure that prison officers and their families are safe in their own homes,” he said. 

“The Government have a responsibility for the safety and security of its employees.” 

'Similar incidents' in the past

The POA said it is now seeking an “urgent meeting” with the Director of the Prison Service to discuss the attack. 

It said there have been “similar incidents” in the past which "understandably are a shocking ordeal for prison officers and their families”. 

“It is now important that the perpetrators of this cowardly and frightening attack are brought to justice,” it said. 

“We will be offering continued support to the prison officer involved and his family as they deal with this shocking ordeal.” 

Arson attack

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service Headquarters said any act of violence against a prison officer is “unacceptable”. 

“Staff who are subject to an assault or threat in our prisons are given the necessary support through the employee assistance programme,” they said. 

“Any criminal act carried out within our prisons, including assaults or threats on a staff member, is reported to An Gardaí Síochána.” 

According to Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, anyone found guilty of assaulting or threatening to assault ‘a peace officer in the execution of their duty’ faces up to 12 years in prison.