McDowell to change prison officers' work practices to reduce overtime

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell is to change prison officers’ work practices as part of a major drive to cut soaring overtime payments.

The €55m bill for prison overtime in 2001 resulted in some officers getting paid more than €80,000 a year.

It is expected that a package of measures, including changes to the way prison officers are paid and compensation for changes in work patterns, will be put on the table within weeks.