Prison officers vote in favour of latest overtime deal

The Prison Officers' Association has voted by a two-thirds majority to accept the Government's latest proposals on reform of the prison overtime system.

Under the proposals, prison officers will receive a pay rise and one-off payment in return for working a set amount of overtime every week.

The move is part of a plan by the Government to almost halve the annual prison overtime bill of around €60m.

POA members had previously rejected an almost identical deal against the recommendations of the association's executive.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell had threatened to privatise the prison escort service, as well as Shelton Abbey and Loughan House jails, if they also voted against his latest offer.

The minister has welcomed the outcome of the POA ballot, while the association itself has also said it is relieved that privatisation was now off the agenda.