asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a general statement on the industrial action threatened by the prison officers and the action he proposes to take.
Written Answers. - Prison Officers.
56.
It is inevitable that, from time to time, problems will arise in the prison service which are of particular concern to the staff. I and the headquarters staff of my Department are committed to dealing expeditiously and sympathetically with these problems. Current difficulties have been discussed with staff representatives and these discussions will continue. It would not be helpful to publicise the nature of the discussions. The staff representatives have shown a willingness to use the accepted negotiation procedures to deal with problems and I am confident that, with goodwill on both sides, they can be resolved satisfactorily.