Some 37 mobile phones, along with a number of modems and USB keys, have been discovered during searches at Portlaoise Prison.

The operation was carried out by the members of the Prison Service Operational Support Group and prison staff in the E block of the jail.

This block houses subversive prisoners.

The search started at 7am this morning and was a planned, intelligence-led search.

The Irish Prison Service says that "for operational and security reasons no further comment will be made at this stage."

Portlaoise Prison in Co Laois is Ireland's only high security prison.

Originally published 14:52