IRPWA Statement

Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association
24/09/2008

Óglaigh na hÉireann Prisoners not involved in Portlaoise Row.

The IRPWA wish to state clearly that no Óglaigh na hÉireann prisoners (nor any interned on remand on membership charges) were involved in the recent row between INLA prisoners and prisoners associated with the Provisional Movement.
It is our understanding that prisoners associated with the INLA confronted prisoners associated with the Provisional movement over issues such as the Provisionals blocking INLA prisoners from coming on to a republican wing, throwing INLA prisoners of that wing for talking to other prisoners and trying to prevent the INLA prisoners from using certain visiting boxes, stating they were ‘IRA’ boxes.
Words were exchanged and by all accounts this led to blows being exchanged, we also believe that a small number of ex- Óglaigh na hÉireann prisoners sided with the Provisionals in this row.
Despite misinformation being peddled by a certain notorious Free State tabloid, it is clear that no Óglaigh na hÉireann prisoners were involved in this incident The E3 prisoners have worked hard to create a more tolerable environment for all POW’s incarcerated in Portlaoise and will continue to do so.