McDowell doubts ‘generous’ deal for officers

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell has admitted he had misgivings about what he described as the “extremely generous” deal offered to prison officers to solve the long-running overtime dispute.

The deal, offering between €45,000 and €69,000 for what in effect will mean a 48-hour week, was rejected by 70% of prison officers, despite their executive recommending acceptance.

Members of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) executive met yesterday with the Minister, who said he is pressing ahead with radical changes to the service.