Five Limerick Prison officers suspended including one who lost set of keys while drunk

FIVE Limerick Prison officers have been suspended in recent weeks, Limerick Live has learned.

A source in the prison confirmed that the five officers have been relieved of their duties temporarily pending a full investigation into a number of unconnected alleged incidents.

One of the Irish Prison Service employees was allegedly caught smuggling Class A drugs into Limerick Prison, said the source.

“Another one is supposed to have lost a set of important prison keys while he was drunk. I don’t know what the other ones are supposed to have done,” said the source.

Limerick Live contacted the Irish Prison Service about the suspensions.

A spokesperson said: “The Irish Prison Service does not comment on matters relating to staff.”

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Separately, Limerick Live has learned a number of Limerick Prison officers were involved in a fracas with a former prisoner in a fast food outlet in the city. It occurred at approximately 2.15am on Friday, October 3.

Following a media query at the time, a garda spokesperson confirmed they received a report of an incident of assault.

“A man, aged in his 30s, was conveyed to University Hospital Limerick for treatment of non-life threatening injuries sustained during this incident. Investigations are ongoing,” said a garda spokesperson.

It is understood that the man taken to hospital was the former prisoner.

In 2024, a Limerick Prison officer was charged with  possession of a controlled drug, suspected to be cannabis, under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and possession of drugs, understood to be cannabis, for sale and supply under Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The Irish Prison Service introduced a new code of ethics for staff in 2021.

The Irish Prison Service has a proud tradition of providing safe and secure custody and of treating all those who come into contact with the service with dignity and respect, reads material on its website.

“The code of ethics codifies the values which are most important to the service as a whole given our role within the Irish justice system and the wider Irish society.

“These values are integrity, unlocking potential, support, safety and teamwork. These values guide our staff in complex, challenging situations or when difficult decisions have to be made. They also provide guidance in the standards our staff are expected to demonstrate. This code provides some examples of ethical behaviour and standards of behaviour associated with each value.

“Ultimately, this document provides clear expectations as to how all staff work together, with prisoners, with their families and with other stakeholders to create a professional and healthy working environment and reflects the professionalism and dedication that is displayed by our staff on a daily basis,” according to its website.