A prisoner at Midlands Prison in Co Laois has died from a suspected drug overdose.
It is understood the prisoner was in his 30s.
In a statement, the Irish Prison Service confirmed the death took place earlier today.
"As with all death in custody, the Irish Prison Service, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána investigate where circumstances warrant," the IPS said.
It added that the cause of death will be determined by the Coroner's Office.
The Midlands Prison is a closed, medium security prison for adult males with capacity for 870 inmates.
