Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1996

Vol. 467 No. 1

Written Answers. - Prison Officers' Association.

Michael McDowell

Question:

266 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Justice whether her Department pays the salary of any prison officer who is employed full-time by the Prison Officers' Association in addition to seconded officers whose salaries are reimbursed by the Prison Officers' Association; if so, the annual cost of such employment to the State; whether the officer and/or his replacement are in receipt of overtime payments; if so, the amount involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12756/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

In April 1995 my Department agreed to grant special leave with pay to a prison officer to work with the Prison Officers' Association on the condition that the officer would not be replaced in the prison service. The officer is not in receipt of overtime payment from my Department. The annual salary cost for this officer, including employer's PRSI, amounts to just under £20,000.

The reason for the granting of this special leave was to provide resources to the Prison Officers' Association to expedite discussions between the Department and the association on a number of issues which were of particular concern to the Department. The special leave was granted for a period of not more than three years and is reviewed annually.