Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - Prison Service.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

71 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will implement the recommendations of the prison service operating review group; the steps, if any, he will take to limit the cost of overtime in the prison service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17001/97]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I assure the Deputy it is my intention to have the recommendations of the prison service operating cost review group implemented as a matter of priority. These recommendations, however, cannot be considered in isolation from the Government's policy to establish an independent authority to manage the day to day affairs of the prison service. It is my intention, therefore, to move both of these issues forward together.

On the issue of overtime spending in the prison service, I am concerned at the rate at which this has increased over the years. The long-term solution to this problem lies in introducing major changes in how the prison service operates. Such changes are at the heart of the recommendations of the prison service operating cost review group's report. However, in the meantime, I have met all prison govenors and have instructed them to take every possible step to limit the amount of overtime worked to that which is absolutely essential for the safe operation of the prison service.