This comes following the arrival of Daniel Kinahan to Portlaoise Prison.
A Laois Senator highlighting serious overcrowding issues in the county's prisons amid the national media storm over Daniel Kinahan's detention.
Sinn Féin's Maria McCormack believes overcrowding is undermining safety in the maximum security Portlaoise Prison where Mr Kinahan is being held.
She says the issue makes it more difficult to manage violence and drug use, and limits access to rehabilitation.
Portlaoise Prison has an operational capacity of 226, but has been operating well above this level in recent times.
Across Ireland, 132 assaults on Irish Prison Service staff were recorded last year.
Senator McCormack says those who work at the prision need protection:
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