Prison officers to discuss next move in overtime row

The leadership of the Irish Prison Officers Association is meeting today to discuss the next move in a long-running overtime dispute with the Government.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell wants to reform the overtime system to reduce the cost to the State.

However, the POA's members have rejected a deal that would have seen them get a salary increase and a one-off payment in return for agreement to work seven hours overtime every week.

Mr McDowell has threatened to privatise the prison escort service unless the POA accepts the offer or puts it to a new ballot of its members.

He is also threatening to permanently close two prisons and transfer the running of two others to a new agency.