Prison officers warned ahead of vote

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell yesterday warned prison officers that the Government had given the green light to radical measures to cut the prison overtime bill.

But last night the Prison Officers’ Association said recent threats of closures, prison privatisation and yesterday’s statement from the minister, showed callous disregard for proper industrial relations procedures.

The measures - thought to include prison closures and privatisation of services - are set to be triggered if prison officers turn down an overtime offer.