ABSTRACT
As the IRA and kindred organisations expanded their operations in the Republic of Ireland, the criminal justice and penal systems dealt with a vastly increased number of incidents and personalities and at first proved unable to deal with the force of the campaign against them. Attacks on the system included spectacular escapes, disorder and riot, and attempts to suborn and intimidate staff. Explosives were smuggled into Portlaoise and used in escape attempts. A helicopter was used for the first time in an escape. Hunger strikes failed in their objectives, and at Portlaoise the regime was tightened. Closer custody included the introduction of strip-searches and more scrutiny of visitors. Given the substantial military capabilities of the IRA and other groups, it was decided to station soldiers at Portlaoise and Limerick Prisons with protective rather than custodial duties. There was some friction between military and civil styles of discipline and working.
