McDowell set to clash with Prison Officers

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell looks set for a showdown with prison officers, after the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) yesterday told members it could not recommend the Government’s overtime offer.

Sources believe it is now unlikely the POA’s 3,000-plus members will vote in favour of the offer when balloting begins tomorrow.

Mr McDowell warned prison officers on Wednesday that the Government had given the green light for drastic action to cut the prison overtime bill if the deal was rejected.