A protest involving prisoners who refused to return to their cells has ended peacefully, a government

The Department of Home Affairs confirmed the incident took place yesterday when a ‘small number’ of inmates refused to leave the exercise yard and return to their cells.

The protest was resolved safely by 10pm, with no injuries reported among prisoners or staff.

A DHA spokesperson said: ‘A small number of prisoners took part in a peaceful protest yesterday, declining to return to their cells from the exercise yard.

‘This was resolved safely by 10pm, with no injuries to staff or prisoners.

‘We take the wellbeing of those in our care seriously and prisoners were offered food, water and medication throughout. Staff will continue to engage with those prisoners regarding their concerns.’

The department has not provided details of the concerns raised by those involved.

During incidents at the prison, access to phones is temporarily restricted for security reasons.

Negotiators are also used to relay information between prisoners and senior officials while an incident is ongoing.

Prisoners normally have an opportunity to formally raise issues or concerns through a monthly Prisoners Council, which brings together prisoner representatives and heads of service.

The latest meeting was due to take place yesterday but had to be postponed because of the protest.

The DHA said that despite reduced time out of cells for prisoners, core daily activities had been protected.

Prisoners have continued to have daily access to exercise, visits, work placements and education, the department said.

The spokesperson added: ‘We are grateful to the many prison staff who worked throughout the day and into the evening to deal with this isolated incident in a professional and safe manner.’