The Prison Officers' Association has claimed that staff reductions are leading to an increased number of assaults on its members by inmates.
The POA said there are numerous examples of assailants not being convicted for such assaults and it is calling for tougher legislation to deal with the problem.
The association's annual conference began in Galway this morning.
The POA said an analysis carried out by the State Claims Agency projects 107 prison officers will be assaulted in 2017, two every week this year.
The association said it cannot understand why recommendations such as the compulsory carrying of batons are being rejected.
POA President Stephen Delaney has blamed staff shortages and said this year retirements will exceed recruitment.
The association also said that in many cases there is no penalty for prisoners who assault prison officers and it supports gardaí’s call for tougher legislation and mandatory sentencing.
