Fianna Fáil are seeking assurances that inmates and staff are safe in Irish prisons.

It comes after an inmate at Cork Prison was stabbed to death during a row two days ago.

Meanwhile, the Irish Prison Service releases its annual report later.

Fianna Fáil justice spokesperson Niall Collins says strict legislation is needed to protect frontline workers.

Meanwhile the Prison Service is investigating how an inmate with a history of violence obtained a knife before allegedly fatally stabbing Graham Johnston.

Johnson (41) from Bandon died after suffering wounds to the chest and throat after a row in Cork Prison on Saturday evening.

The victim was serving a four year sentence for theft, and was due for release in a matter of weeks.

The Irish Independent southern correspondent, Ralph Riegel, told Newstalk Breakfast the suspect is being held in isolation while the investigation continues.