IPS rejects overtime proposals

PROPOSALS which prison officers claim could cut their overtime bill by up to €30 million have been rejected by the Irish Prison Service (IPS), making prison closures more likely.

Yesterday, spokesman for the IPS, Jim Mitchell, said the compromise plan submitted by the Prison Officers Association (POA) aimed at ending the overtime row, was not a basis for negotiations.

“The proposals did not deal with the core cost issue. They were couched in terms which would have involved an increase in basic pay. This is something which is ruled out under the partnership agreement, Sustaining Progress.”