The Taoiseach has denied budget cutbacks were the reason for security being scaled back on a convicted criminal who escaped from custody yesterday.

The Prison Officers Association has questioned why no armed guard was present when Derek Brockwell stabbed two prison officers and fled.

Derek Brockwell - who was serving a seven-year sentence for armed robbery at Portlaoise Prison - stabbed the two unarmed prison officers at Tallaght Hospital in Dublin yesterday before making his escape.

Enda Kenny praised the two officers injured in the incident in the Dáil today and stated that Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has requested a full report into what happened:

A former head of the Irish Prison Officers Association says it is unbelievable that Derek Brockwell was not accompanied by an armed garda when he escaped.

PJ McEvoy says there are serious questions to answer:

Brockwell remains on the run and is described as very dangerous. He has also been called one of Britain's most wanted individuals.

One prison officer underwent emergency surgery after he was stabbed in the stomach. The second officer was stabbed in the hand.

The escaped prisoner has been named as 53-year-old Derek Brockwell, who has been described as one of Britain's most wanted individuals.

It is understood the prisoner was driven away from the hospital on a waiting motorbike. The incident happened at approximately 3pm yesterday.

Gardaí have launched a manhunt to find the man.

53-year-old Brockwell is is described as being 6' 3" tall, with brown hair and broad build.

Gardaí are asking anyone with information to contact Tallaght Garda station on 01- 6666000, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officers Association Jim Mitchell said questions need to be asked about why no armed guards were present when the prisoner escaped:

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil is calling for minimum mandatory sentences for those convicted of assaulting members of the prison service.

Fianna Fáil's Justice Spokesman Niall Collins says frontline workers need new legislation to protect them from violent attacks:

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton says he does not want to prejudge the authorities' reaction to the escape - but say lessons will be learned:

Originally published Tuesday 17 February at 16.30