As many as 25 republican prisoners at Portlaoise’s prison are reportedly beginning a protest after being denied gluten-free bread as part of their diet.
According to sources, prisoners have began stockpiling rubbish in preparation for a “dirty protest”.
A statement released by a group representing republican prisoners said:
“The food has seriously deteriorated over the last number of months and in general is sub-standard, at times unfit for human consumption, comprising of basic small portions which are totally inadequate.”
“This has resulted in men having to purchase food with the little money they have through the prison shop which charges extortionate prices. Numerous attempts have been made by the prisoners to resolve this issue but to no avail.”