An investigation is underway following violent incidents at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise earlier today.

At least two prison officers were taken to hospital after they tried to break up a fight between inmates.

One of the officers is reported to have been slashed with a blade in a part of the building housing sex offenders and needed multiple stitches.

They are the latest incidents threatening the safety of prison officers, and their representative body is due to ask for more protection when they meet the Justice Minister later this week.

Convicted robber Derek Brockwell stabbed two prison officers at Tallaght Hospital last month, where he was undergoing scheduled treatment.

He escaped but was later arrested by PSNI in Belfast.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said providing stab vests to gardaí and prison officers is something he would support.

Jim Mitchell is the Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association, and explained with his organisation is asking for:

Originally posted at 14.55