Prison pay deal on conference agenda

A SPECIAL prison officer delegate conference will take place on Friday to determine the fate of the overtime pay deal.

Indications suggest most delegates are in favour of the deal and may recommend its acceptance to the 3,000-plus members.

As reported in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, Justice Minister Michael McDowell indicated to the Prison Officers’ Association (POA) he was willing to allow them refer the deal to a delegate conference.

A fortnight ago, he told POA executives he needed an answer by last Monday as to whether they would put the deal to a ballot.

If they rejected the deal, he said he would implement radical plans, including privatising the prisoner escort system.

However, in between, the POA national executive sought clarification on three issues and only received answers on Monday.

Up to 21 national executive members agreed yesterday, almost unanimously, to refer the issue to a delegate conference.

Between 80 and 100 delegates, from the 16 institutions, will debate the matter to decide whether to reject the deal or ballot members, probably with a recommendation of acceptance.

Insiders believe there would be a good chance of acceptance in a ballot.

The issues of clarification concerned the privatisation of the redeveloped Spike Island prison in Cork, the redeployment of its staff during redevelopment and the reasons for the change in overtime hours needed under the proposed annualised hours system.

The deal will give officers an annual salary of between €45,000 and €69,000 for working seven extra hours on top of a normal week.