Liam Lawlor has begun another one-week jail term for failing to comply with orders of the Flood Tribunal. He arrived at Mountjoy Prison around noon.
The Prison Service has said that the Dublin West TD will not be given special treatment, but he has been put in a cell on his own to ensure his safety.
Liam Lawlor was first sentenced to a week in prison a year ago for failing to comply with orders from the Flood Tribunal for the first time.
RTÉ News has learnt that Mr Lawlor is serving his sentence in a single cell in the basement of Mountjoy Jail. Formerly a punishment block, the basement has since been renovated and is now an area where prisoners can serve their sentences in protective custody.
The prison authorities are extremely anxious to ensure Mr Lawlor's safety while in prison and like his previous term in Mountjoy he will not mix with the general prison population. His cell has in-cell sanitation, he is expected to eat alone in his cell and he has access to two exercise yards.
The Prison Service has said that the Independent TD will not be given special treatment in prison and the management of his sentence is a matter for the Prison Governor John Lonergan.
He will eat the same meals as other inmates and will be subject to the same routine and discipline and will also be allowed to have his files and papers in the cell with him.
