Prisons could shut if overtime plan fails

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell could close four prisons if officers don’t accept a plan to reduce the annual €60m overtime bill.

The closure of the prisons, including a facility for sex offenders, would result in more than 300 staff and inmates being moved to other prisons.

The Irish Prison Service will submit the plan to the minister this week if the prison officers’ union rejects its proposal to reduce the overtime bill.