Officials aim to resolve prison crisis
Yesterday representatives of the POA and officials from the IPS held what were described as tough and lengthy talks on a full agenda of issues which led to a one-hour stoppage by prison officers on Tuesday. Prison officers allege that they have been bullied and harassed by prison management.
Last night, POA deputy general secretary Eugene Dennehy said that, while many issues were on the table for yesterday’s talks, the bullying and safety were highest on the agenda.
The POA, he said, had been given assurances that all efforts would be made by senior officials from the IPS to resolve matters. The IPS is understood to have asked for five weeks in which to resolve bullying and harassment issues.
A series of proposals agreed at yesterday’s meeting will be discussed today by the administrative council of the POA. The proposals will then be put to a meeting of members at Castlerea tomorrow. At that juncture, the POA will know whether or not to take further industrial action.
At 2pm on Tuesday last all 190 prisoners were locked in their cells as prison officers staged a one-hour walk-out. Those on duty were joined at the prison gates by some officers who were rostered off.
The industrial protest was, according to Mr Dennehy, a last resort. The Prison Service and prison management had repeatedly failed to address serious concerns regarding bullying, harassment and security/safety issues.
This week’s action by the POA was the first industrial dispute at any Irish prison for well over a decade.
Yesterday, some 30 issues were raised at the talks including a proposed new system of seniority on rostering. Despite the labour problems, Castlerea has a waiting list for prisoners and staff wishing to be transferred there. In use since 1996, its locking systems are automated and almost all cells are single with TV and bathroom facilities.
