Vol. 566 No. 3
194 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals for the ending of overtime by prison officers; if he intends to enter into negotiations with the Irish Prison Officers Association regarding his proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12770/03]
The level of overtime worked in the Prison Service has long been the subject of discussion in this House. Within the past week I have arranged for a framework proposal to issue to staff representatives with a view to early negotiations on a new way forward. I expect the negotiations to deliver an agreement which will eliminate the unsustainable burden of chronic overtime and which will deliver a more efficient and cost effective Prison Service.
The Irish Prison Service has invited the IPOA to discussions. These will take place within days once the association has had an opportunity to give the proposal preliminary consideration.
The proposal involves the implementation of a programme of detailed staffing and work practice efficiencies together with the elimination of overtime working and the introduction of an annual hours system of attendance. This system envisages staff undertaking to work certain levels of additional hours which would be remunerated whether all the additional hours were required to be worked or not. This approach is designed to reinforce the attractiveness of more efficient working practices. The proposal also involves the payment of lump sums to staff over a three year period subject to the delivery of specific savings targets. In addition, the proposal outlines scope for organisational restructuring covering rationalisation of certain functions and greater focus on core and developmental roles of various grades.
