asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in discussions between his Department, the Prisons Service and the IPOA with a view to reducing the very high level of overtime in the Prisons Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2917/03]
Written Answers. - Prison Staff.
39.
I refer the Deputy to the response I gave to a previous parliamentary question concerning my proposals to reduce the very high level of overtime in the Prisons Service which was answered on 27 November 2002. In that response I outlined the background to the present overtime situation. I indicated that consultations had reached the stage where management found themselves in a position to draw together a new framework to tackle the Prisons Service's dependency on overtime working.
Arising from this, comprehensive proposals for change, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of prisons have been developed. I am now finalising my consideration of the detail of these proposals, in consultation with my colleague the Minister for Finance, prior to discussions with staff representatives on the programme of change that will be required.
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 17.