Radical changes currently being implemented in the prison service would cause fear, as well as excitement, for members, the Minister for Justice told delegates at the Prison Officers' Association conference. The greatest impact would be on officers' wages, which, Mr O'Donoghue stated, were far too dependent on overtime.
"A total of £30 million is paid out in overtime each year and this level cannot be sustained. Reports indicate there is potential for substantial reductions in expenditure on staffing and a reduction in overtime costs.
"The working group must revise existing rosters, eliminate dependence on overtime and change officers' conditions of service.
"Local management action can make some savings immediately. All staff of the Prison Agency will have civil service status from here on in and reductions in staffing expenditure will give efficiency gains and reduce overtime costs", he said.
Members concerned about the proposed changes should take heart that they would be imposed on a "soft landing" basis, from the current high levels of overtime over a few years.
It was important that the Prison Service was viewed as a good career opportunity, he said.
"We have a total of 3,182 staff in the service now, and this is actually 190 short of our authorised staff levels. There are promotion competitions ongoing for every grade so this is a great sign of career opportunities in the service."
The Minister said the aim of the review was to produce a quality and professional service. The conference continues in Westport until tomorrow.