asked the Minister for Justice whether overtime payment is being refused to members of the prison staff; whether in pre-Treaty days the staff were paid overtime as a matter of course; further, how many prison officers have applied for permission to retire under Article X. of the Treaty and have been refused; and whether compensation will be paid in the case of officers retained against their will.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - OVERTIME FOR PRISON STAFF.
The practice of the General Prisons Board in dealing with claims for overtime worked by prison warders has not been altered since the transfer of Government. When overtime is worked on escort or other special duty, payment is made in respect thereof unless time off in lieu is allowed. In former years it was more difficult to arrange for the grant of equivalent leave than it is at present, but such equivalent leave was always granted when possible. This practice will continue to be followed.
Seven prison officers now serving were refused permission to retire under Article X. of the Treaty. This decision was based on the grounds that they were not entitled to any compensation under that Article.