A fourth, senior officer - who should have been overseeing the operation - was forced to drive the van.
Portlaoise Prison is carrying out an internal investigation after a three officers were too drunk to escort a prisoner back from Dublin.
The incident, which occurred earlier this month, involved the escort a dangerous gangland criminal from the Criminal Courts of Justice.
A fourth, senior officer - who should have been overseeing the operation - was forced to drive the van, after the three junior officers spent part of the day drinking.
The van also stopped for a toilet break at the Junction 14 service station on the M7 - which is strictly prohibited while carrying a prisoner - and the three junior officers also attended the fast food outlet on site.
The incident came to the attention of management upon their return.
However, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Mick Clifford doesn't expect there will be major disciplinary action:
SNA Protest Held Outside Department Of Education In Athlone
Westmeath Woman Running Hair Loss Awareness Event This Weekend
Laois County Council Continue Work On Rat Infestation
Midlands MEP Welcomes Step Forward On EU Consent Based Definition of Rape
Offaly County Council Call For Public Frog Sightings
Midlands MEP Condemns Provisional Implementation Of Mercosur
Homelessness Figures Rise In The Midlands
Midlands TDs Declare Rental Properties And Land In Latest Dáil Register
Offaly Councillor Calls For Urgent Pothole Funding After Losing Tyre
EU Related Events Could Come To Midlands - Thomas Byrne
Over 2,500 Midlands Children Mark National Pyjama Day
Agriculture Minister To Launch Governance Review Amid IFA Bord Bia Dispute
Midlands School Waiting Seven Years For ASD Classrooms Raised In Dáil
Midlands Teen Seriously Injured In Crash Released From ICU
Man Who Killed Dad In Laois Hotel To Remain In Central Mental Hospital
Midlands Commercial Vacancy Rates Record Slight Drop
Laois/Offaly Garda Youth Awards Deadline Extended
Niall Horan Confirms Fourth Album
Laois Councillor Seeks Proper Regulation On Drones
IFA Staging More Bord Bia Protests This Weekend