Prison officers association. Officer. July 2012

Transcription

1 Prison Prison officers association Officer July 2012 ANNUAL MASS 2012

2 Contents CONTENTS Editorial... 3 Annual Mass... 6 Developments on Pay - May 2011-May Mountjoy Prison Guard of Honour Weymes Scholarship Scheme Winners & Reserves Clover Hill Guard of Honour Presidential Address Motions to Conference Implementing Children First in the Irish Prison Service Branch News PFOC Report Golf News National Executive Council Meetings May 2011-May Last Women Hanged in Ireland The Prison Officer is published four times a year. Editor: Paul Purcell Design, Layout & Production: Artwerk Ltd, 18 Alderwood Rise, Springfield, Dublin 24. Tel: (01) The Prison Officer is published by The Prison Officers Association, 18 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Phone: Fax: The views expressed in this magazine unless expressly stated, do not represent the views of the POA or the Editorial Board. Printed by: Turner's Printing Company Limited, Longford. ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS As outlined in the editorial two newsletters will be introduced (March and September) to supplement the magazines in July and December. I am now inviting submissions to be included in the September newsletter for the following LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BOOK REVIEW CREATIVE WRITING ARTICLE CLOSING DATE FOR THESE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE FRIDAY 24th AUGUST 2012 It is also intended to include a Buy and Sell section in this newsletter. Any member who wishes to utilise this section please send submission by Friday 24th August ALL SUBMISSIONS FOR THE SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER MUST BE SENT BY TO admin@poa.ie Page 2 Prison Officer July 2012

3 Editorial Editorial Colleagues, The last couple of months have been devastating for the families, colleagues and friends of Stuart Moran (Mountjoy), John Greally (Wheatfield) and Deirdre Duggan (Mountjoy). A loss of three members of the Association would be extremely difficult at any time but to have all three in such a short space of time was extremely sad. May they all rest in peace. In this magazine you have the regular IR sections on Pay, PFOC, Report from NEC and Annual Delegate Conference. I would advise Members to read these sections as they contain vital information as to the deliberations of the Prison Officers Association for the last 12 months. Branch News is also included with articles from Mountjoy and Cloverhill Guards of Honour, World Police and Fire Games, Children First, IPOGA and the Public Service Friendly Society. I also ask all Members to support the service providers engaged on your behalf and their advertisements are included with contact details etc. NEWSLETTERS At a NEC Sub Committee Meeting in March 2012 it was decided to supplement the two magazines with two newsletters to be distributed in March and September. While there will be IR issues included in each newsletter there will be more of an emphasis placed on members and member s activities which will include the following Letters to the Editor Buy and Sell Section Creative writing submission Book Review FIGHTING FOR FAIRNESS The theme of this year s Annual Delegate Conference was Fighting for Fairness. It is fair to say that these are trying times for all union members and in particular for Prison Officers. On a daily basis your union is endeavouring to ensure this fight for fairness is at the forefront of negotiations with the employer. In particular the Union has been seeking the introduction of a new fit for purpose Code of Discipline for grades represented by the Prison Officers Association to replace the Prison (Disciplinary Code for Officers) Rules 1996, through the Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. The Irish Prison Service has informed the Union that they would issue us with a new Draft Code of Discipline for our observations, prior to the next scheduled meeting of the Justice Departmental Council. Many of the issues that have been dealt with and those issues that are ongoing are outlined in the IR sections of this magazine. However the main IR issue at present is the Croke Park Agreement. This agreement is still in place and the Irish Prison Service is meeting its target as outlined in the Implementation Body s Second Progress Report published in June Public Service Agreement (Croke Park agreement) Please find below a summary from the 2nd Progress Report from the Implementation Body. Prison Service 1. Staff numbers down by 8% but average number of prisoners in custody up 23% since Overall prisoners in the system (includes prisoners and those on temp release) up by 34% since Task or efficiency reviews of prisons were progressed, facilitating a reduction in required staffing levels of 326 staff in the review period and exceeding the target of Agreement on the deduction of the new prison administration and support grades which will involve redeployment of approx 140 staff into the prison Service and free up Prison Officers for frontline work. 5. Agreement was reached to develop prison campus structures; this involves merging 8 separate prison structures into 3 consolidated shared service campus management structures in Mountjoy, Cloverhill and Portlaoise. 6. The agreement is facilitating a major transformation and modernisation programme in the Prison Service. This involves implementing and significant reduction in required staffing levels while maintaining service levels and meeting increased demand for services. 7. A task review of all institutions and operations in the prison system were substantially completed during the review period. Implementation of the findings of these reviews have already commenced and remain on target for full completion before the end of Prison Officer July 2012 Page 3

4 Editorial / Letters to the editor Editorial (continued) 8. Implementation of the findings of the task reviews has facilitated a reduction in required staffing levels of 326 staff in the review period exceeding the target of A review of all management grades in the prisons at Chief Officer II and above was carried out during the review period and engagement with the staff side has commenced. This has the potential to deliver substantial savings at senior management levels. 10. Agreement was reached during the reporting period and the development of campus structures within the prison service which involves merging 8 separate prison structures into 3 consolidated shared service campus management structures as follows: Merger of Mountjoy Prison, Dochas Centre, St Patricks Institution and the Training Unit into a single Mountjoy Prison Campus Merger of Cloverhill and Wheatfield Prisons forming the West Dublin Prison Campus Merger of Portlaoise and Midlands Prisons forming the Portlaoise Prison Campus. This will help to deliver substantial savings at senior management level and will facilitate the further development of shared services on each campus. Open recruitment of campus governors as provided for under the agreement was commenced in early 2012 and appointments are expected to be made in Q Agreement was reached on the introduction of new prison administration and support grades, this will allow for redeployment of approx 140 staff from elsewhere in the Civil Service to the Prison Service. The introduction of the new grades will deliver savings of around 3 4 million euro on an annual basis and will free up office based Prison Officers for frontline work. The process for redeployment of staff currently carrying out these roles to other operational duties was significantly advanced during year 2 with training for new roles ongoing, this will allow for smooth transition to new roles when new grade staff arrive in mid Progress was made during the review period on improving interagency corporation in the criminal justice sector and community sector and reviewing efficiencies in the Circuit and District Courts, working in conjunction with Judiciary, Court Services and An Garda Siochana. Paul Purcell Editor Letter to Paul Purcell, Editor POA Magazine Dear Paul, I was in the recent past the victim of a decision taken by previous prison management at Wheatfield Prison which I believed to be completely unfair and totally unwarranted. A decision I only became aware of by raising queries myself as to why I was not being utilised in an area of the prison that I was qualified to work in. This matter has now been brought to a satisfactory conclusion and I would like to take the opportunity to thank the work colleagues that stood by me and supported me through this most difficult time period. I would also like to thank the current prison management at Wheatfield for rectifying the unfair and unwarranted treatment I received and for reassuring me in respect of my value in the workplace. Can I also thank Figsy, Kiaran, Mr. Tayto, all the lads in West 2, Big Dave, Alan, Jimmy, Murph and my wife Karina for all her support. To conclude, I would like to thank the local branch of the Prison Officers Association for the ongoing support they gave me during this most challenging period. Jim Coleman Page 4 Prison Officer July 2012

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6 Annual Mass Annual Mass 2012 The Annual Mass for deceased members and retired members of the Prison Service took place on Thursday 19th April 2012 at 8.15pm in St. Joseph s Church, Berkeley Road, Phibsboro. Once again it was a great success due to the professionalism of The Pipe Band, Guard of Honour and the Colour Party. I would like to thank the men and women of the Pipe Band, Guard of Honour and the Colour Party who give up their free time to practise for these occasions and who perform this task on behalf of members. I must thank in particular the Mountjoy and Cloverhill combined Guard of Honour/Colour Party for their professionalism and expertise in not only attending the Annual Mass but also for attending funerals for members. I would like to thank Mal O Sullivan, Paul Brennan Mountjoy and Paul Kellett Portlaoise/Cloverhill in organising the combined personnel from their Prisons to attend the Annual Mass. Families, relatives and the general public have commented on the way the deceased member is given such a send off and that reflects greatly on members. The Cork Prison Officers Male Voice Choir also attended and were excellent with their range of songs and hymns. I would like to thank Liam Duncliffe for organising the choir at short notice and look forward to hearing them again next year. Since last year s Annual Mass there have been four serving members who sadly passed away. They were David Walshe Portlaoise, Fran Hession St. Patricks, Noel Brennan Portlaoise and Johnny O Riordan Cork. May they rest in peace. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all who participated on the night including all of the aforementioned, retired members, the Prison Chaplain Fr.Ciaran Enright (Arbour Hill) and the Garda for their help in providing an escort for the march of the Guard of Honour, Pipe Band and Colour Party from Mountjoy to the church. The weather on the night was fresh and showery. It was great to see some a large crowd in particular the many retired members and local residents who came out to see the Colour Party, Pipe Band and the Guard of Honour. As the names of our departed members, retired members and relatives were read out by Mr. Stephen Delaney President Prison Officers Association a candle was placed in front of the altar in memory of those who passed away since last year s Annual Mass. Page 6 Prison Officer July 2012

7 Annual Mass Annual Mass 2012 Prison Officer July 2012 Page 7

8 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 Public Service Agreement The first meeting of the National Executive Council held following Annual Delegate Conference May 2011, was held on Tuesday 31st May At this meeting the National Executive Council was informed that the Annual General Meeting of the ICTU Public Services Committee was held on Friday 27th May The National Executive Council was informed that at the Annual General Meeting of the ICTU Public Services Committee, the Prison Officers Association learned that the Implementation Body for the Public Service Agreement had met on Wednesday 25th May 2011, to compile its report for the 2011 review of the agreement. All sectors supplied material to the body, which at the time had approximately one week s work to go. The Implementation Body s report to Government was due the following week. The Minister for Finance had to make a report to the Dáil by the end of June 2011 in respect of the need for the emergency financial legislation. Should the Government accept the Report of the Implementation Body, it had also to meet the targets set by the Troika, which would be reviewed in September On Tuesday 31st May 2011, the National Executive Council was also informed that there were a number of meetings held in relation to the Transformation Agenda since the last National Executive Council meeting, which was held on Tuesday 12th April These meetings were as follows: Thursday 28th April 2011, POA Headquarters Tuesday 17th May 2011, Wheatfield Prison Monday 30th May 2011, IPS Longford The National Executive Council was briefed in respect of the aforementioned meetings and informed that the Union had received correspondence from the Official Side dated 20th May 2011 regarding expressions of interest from Clerk I and Clerk II grades in order to facilitate the process of redeploying these grades within the Prison Service. A number of queries were received at Headquarters from members working in the clerical areas, which were compiled for the attention of the National Executive Council. These queries and other related matters regarding the clerical areas were discussed at this meeting, following which the National Executive Council directed that a meeting be set up between the National Executive Council and Clerical Grades. This meeting was held in the Killeshin Hotel Portlaoise on Thursday 16th June 2011 where the National Executive Council attended to meet with Clerk 1 and Clerk 2 grades in relation to matters regarding the redeployment of Clerical grades arising from the Public Service Agreement This meeting lasted approximately three hours, where the Clerks that attended raised numerous issues with the National Executive Council. Following this meeting the Union raised all matters brought up by the Clerks during subsequent meetings with the Irish Prison Service. On Thursday 25th August 2011, the National Executive Council was informed that engagement with the Official Side on the Transformation process at Cloverhill Prison had continued since the last meeting of the National Executive Council. They were informed that there were two meetings of the Prison Sector Implementation Body, these meetings were held on: Wednesday 15th June 2011, Prison Officers Association Headquarters Tuesday 26th July 2011, Cloverhill Prison The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the aforementioned meetings and informed that the first progress report of the Implementation Body set up under the Public Service Agreement was issued on 3rd June The Implementation Body also issued a statement on progress made during the first year of the Public Service Agreement. The Implementation Body s Statement and other relevant documentation including documentation on matters relating to promotions from competitions, the clerical areas, campus proposals, incentivised regimes and the future operation of Tuck Shops was issued to the National Executive Council. On Wednesday 7th September 2011, the National Executive Council met at short notice in relation to proposed industrial action scheduled to take place at the Midlands Prison on Thursday 8th September The National Page 8 Prison Officer July 2012

9 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Executive Council was briefed on all developments that had taken place since the National Executive Council gave sanction for the taking of industrial action on 25th August 2011, including the fact that the Union had received correspondence from the Official Side accusing the Union of being in breach of the Public Service Agreement. On Tuesday 11th October 2011 the National Executive Council was informed that engagement with the Official Side on the Transformation process recommenced following the meeting held at the Labour Relations Commission on Friday 9th September This meeting was held to clarify matters relating to the Official Sides allegation that the Prison Officers Association had breached the Public Service Agreement by serving notice to take Industrial Action at the Midlands Prison. Correspondence dated 26th September 2011 that the Union received from the Director of Conciliation Services and Joint Facilitator of the Public Service Agreement, Mr K Foley was issued in the National Executive Council file. They were also informed that there was further engagement on the transformation process at Wheatfield Prison on Monday 12th September 2011, while the Transformation Team visited Loughan House on Friday 23rd September 2011 and Saturday 24th September 2011 to review the Reserve Period, Night Duty and Saturday requirements. The National Executive Council was briefed on Tuesday 11th October 2011, in respect of the Irish Prison Service Sectoral Group meeting, which took place on Monday 26th September 2011, at Prison Officers Association, Headquarters. The Agenda for this meeting and the minutes of the last Sectoral meeting held on Tuesday 26th July 2011 were issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council were also informed that the Official Side raised the representation rights of the proposed new Prison Administration Grades at the Civil Service General Council meeting held on Wednesday 28th September 2011 and that the Prison Officers Association would be making an application to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for the representation rights of these grades. On Thursday 24th November 2011, the National Executive Council was informed that a meeting of the Irish Prison Service Sectoral Group was held under the Chairman Mr McLoone at Prison Officers Association, Headquarters on Monday 24th October The Agenda and other relevant documentation relating to this meeting were issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council was informed that the Transformation Team commenced the Task Analysis at Shelton Abbey on Friday 11th November 2011 and visited on Saturday 12th November 2011 and Monday 14th November 2011 to review Saturday requirements, the Reserve Period and Night Duty. They were also informed that there were a number of other engagements relating to the transformation process that took place as follows: Tuesday 18th October 2011, visit by M McLoone to Wheatfield Prison to meet with the Local Chairperson in the AM and to Cloverhill Prison in the PM for an update on the Cloverhill Task Review Report Thursday 27th October 2011, meeting on Training plans for Staff and Induction course for Prisoners, Cloverhill Prison Wednesday 9th November 2011, meeting on outstanding issues and the IEP rollout, Cloverhill Prison Tuesday 15th November 2011, meeting on outstanding issues the IEP rollout and the Induction program, Cloverhill Prison Thursday 17th November 2011, meeting on outstanding issues, Wheatfield Prison The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the aforementioned meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of transformation meetings. On Wednesday 7th December 2011 the National Executive Council was informed that engagement with the Official Side on the Transformation process had continued since the last meeting of the National Executive Council there were a number of meetings held as follows: Friday 25th November 2011, Prison Officers Association, Headquarters (Bilateral meeting - Chaired by Mr M McLoone) Monday 27th November 2011, Wheatfield Prison (Irish Prison Service Sectoral Group - Chaired by Mr M McLoone) Monday 5th December 2011, Irish Prison Service, Headquarters (Irish Prison Service Sectoral Group - Chaired by Mr M McLoone) Prison Officer July 2012 Page 9

10 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) The Agenda and other relevant documentation relating to the aforementioned meetings were issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council was informed that the Union had forwarded correspondence to the Official Side in respect of the announcement by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on Monday 5th December 2011, which outlined that cuts in this year s budget would include cuts to overtime payments, premium payments and allowances paid in the Public Service. The correspondence forwarded by the Union to the Official Side in respect of this matter was issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council was also informed on Wednesday 7th December 2011, that there were a number of documents contained in the National Executive Council file relating to issues associated with the redeployment of the Clerical Grades. They were informed that on Friday 2nd December 2011, the Union received correspondence from the Official Side outlining an update on developments, which included updated frequently asked questions and they were informed that the Union had received further correspondence from the Official Side dated Monday 6th December 2011, regarding the advertising of positions for Clerical grades in the Prison Service Training and Development Centre. Correspondence the Union received on 6th December 2011, from the Irish Prison Service, Sectoral Chairman Mr M McLoone in respect of the proposed redeployment process for Clerical Grades, which was issued in the National Executive Council file was discussed. On Wednesday 8th February 2012, the National Executive Council was informed that engagement with the Official Side on the Transformation process had continued since the last meeting of the National Executive Council. There were two meetings of the Prison Service Sectoral Group held at POA Headquarters, chaired by Mr M McLoone the Sectoral Chairman. These meetings were held on Monday 19th December 2011 and Thursday 19th January The Agenda and other relevant documentation issued at the Sectoral meetings were issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council was also informed that there were numerous other meetings and engagements that took place relating to the Transformation process as follows: Thursday 15th December 2011, POA Headquarters, (OSG Transformation) Friday 16th December 2011, Cloverhill/Wheatfield Prisons (Detail Sub - Group AM/ Wheatfield Transformation PM) Thursday 22nd December 2011, Mountjoy Prison(Transformation Presentation) Friday 6th January 2012, Mountjoy Prison (OSG Transformation) Tuesday 10th January 2012, Cloverhill PSEC (Detail - Sub Committee) Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th January 2012, Limerick Prison (Commenced Transformation process at Limerick) Wednesday 18th January 2012, Wheatfield Prison (Transformation, follow up meeting) Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd January 2012, Limerick Prison (Review the Reserve Period, Night Duty and Saturday requirements) Thursday 26th January 2012, Loughan House (Meeting re Loughan House Report) Friday 27th January 2012, Mountjoy Prison (Branch meeting on Transformation Process) Monday 30th January 2012, Loughan House (Branch meeting on Transformation Process) Monday 6th February 2012, POA Headquarters (Bilateral engagement) The National Executive Council was briefed on the aforementioned meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of meetings. They were informed that on Friday 27th January 2012, the Union received correspondence from the ICTU Public Services Committee which was issued from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) to all Sectoral Secretary Generals regarding budgetary announcements in respect of allowances. The Irish Prison Service issued their own correspond-ence regarding allowances on Wednesday 1st February The aforementioned letters were issued in the National Executive Council file and the matter was discussed at this meeting. On Thursday 15th March 2012, the National Executive Council was informed that engagement with the Official Side on the Transformation process continued Page 10 Prison Officer July 2012

11 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) since the last meeting of the National Executive Council. There was one meeting of the Prison Service Sectoral Group held at POA Headquarters, chaired by Mr M McLoone the Sectoral Chairman. This meeting was held on Thursday 16th February 2012, the Agenda and other relevant documentation issued at the Sectoral meeting were issued in the National Executive Council file. They were also informed that there were numerous other meetings and engagements that took place relating to the Transformation process as follows: Friday 17th February 2012, Limerick Prison (Update on the Transformation Process) Monday 20th February and Tuesday 21st February 2012, Cork Prison (Commencement of the Transformation Review) Friday 24th February, Saturday 25th February and Sunday 26th February 2012 Cork Prison (Review the Reserve Period, Night Duty, Saturday and Sunday requirements) Monday 27th February 2012, Wheatfield Prison (Update on the Transformation Process) Tuesday 28th February 2012, Castlerea Prison (Update on the Transformation Process) Wednesday 29th February 2012, (POA Longford, meeting with Loughan House Branch Committee) Monday 5th March 2012, Limerick Prison (Update on the Transformation Process) Tuesday 6th March 2012, Castlerea Prison (Meeting with Castlerea Branch Committee) Wednesday 7th March 2012, (IPS Longford update on Loughan House) Thursday 8th March 2012, Arbour Hill Prison (Commencement of the Transformation process plus review of Night Guard requirements) Friday 9th March, Saturday 10th March and Sunday 11th March 2012, Arbour Hill Prison (Review the Reserve Period, Night Duty, Saturday and Sunday requirements) The National Executive Council was briefed on the aforementioned meetings and the forthcoming schedule of meetings. They were also updated on the position regarding allowances, three s were issued in the executive file regarding the position that the Irish Prison Service was adopting in respect of the payment of allowances. This matter was discussed at this meeting. The National Executive Council were also informed on Wednesday 8th February 2012 that Experimental Training had commenced for Clerical Grades in line with the proposed redeployment process for Clerical Grades as put forward by the Sectoral Chairman, Mr McLoone. Documentation on this matter that was issued to the National Executive Council in December 2011 was re-issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council meeting held on Thursday 15th March 2012 was the final meeting of National Executive Council prior to this year s Headquarters Report to Annual Delegate Conference going to print. The National Executive Council would however receive a final briefing before Annual Delegate Conference on all up to date issues relating to the Public Service Agreement , at the National Executive Council meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday 19th April ENVIRONMENTAL ALLOWANCE On 20th January 2010, the Union received correspondence from the Official Side stating that it is the position of the Irish Prison Service that a review of the Environmental Allowance at Portlaoise Prison is now warranted given that there is no longer a preponderance of subversive prisoners housed at Portlaoise Prison. As a result of adopting this position the Official Side lodged a claim at the Justice Departmental Council to review the payment of the Environmental Allowance at Portlaoise Prison. The National Executive Council was informed on Tuesday 12th April 2011 that the Official Side Secretary of the Justice Departmental Council forwarded a draft of an Agreed Report, recording disagreement to the union in respect of the Environmental Allowance at Portlaoise Prison. The union forwarded on our observations regarding the draft of this Agreed Report recording disagreement given that this matter would go forward for Arbitration/ Adjudication. The National Executive Council discussed this matter on Thursday 24th November 2011, due to the fact that the Union had not received a statement of claim from the Official Side in respect of their claim. The National Executive Council directed that the union should try to move this matter on as soon as is practical as it was felt that any delays in respect of this matter could favour the Official Side. It was decided this matter would be raised at the Prison Officer July 2012 Page 11

12 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Justice Departmental Council scheduled to take place on Thursday 1st December At the time of the Headquarters Report going to print the Agreed Report recording disagreement was awaiting final sign off. The Union will then have to receive the Official Sides Statement of Claim and submit our response in respect of this matter going forward for Adjudication/Arbitration. PMDS The issue of PMDS has been on the agenda of Civil Service General Council since the commencement of the Public Service Agreement Sections 1.13 and 4.12 refer specifically to improved performance management across all public service areas. A new document was agreed between the Staff side and Official side at General Council at the end of This revised PMDS form was issued to the National Executive Council on Wednesday 7th December The POA and IPS met on the Friday 20th January The principles agreed in the general civil service document were adhered to and adapted for the Irish Prison Service. A final draft document was agreed for submission to the National Executive Council for approval. This document was approved at the National Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday 8th February There are practical issues still outstanding regarding the implementation of the system and at the time of going to print a meeting was being scheduled to try to and address outstanding matters. During the year there have been issues surrounding the PMDS and Sick leave regarding the payment of increments that have been addressed by the Union. The new role profile form which was issued to the National Executive Council on Wednesday 8th February 2012 can be viewed on the POA Website. Outstanding increments Jan date 2011 where no PMDS rating has been received Prison Grade No. Outstanding Arbour Hill Total 4 Castlerea Total 6 Cloverhill Total 9 Dochas Total 3 Limerick Total 2 Loughan House Total 2 Mountjoy Total 3 Midlands Total 11 OSG Total 1 Portlaoise Total 5 PSEC Total 1 St Pats Total 11 Wheatfield Total 1 Grand Total 59 Total no completed 473 Total 532 % completed 89 Total no of staff due increments in No of ratings received above group 875 % ratings complete for 2011 increments 74 Outstanding increments Jan date 2011 where no PMDS rating has been received Prison Grade No. Outstanding Arbour Hill Total 4 Castlerea Total 8 Cloverhill Total 11 Dochas Total 3 Limerick Total 4 Loughan House Total 2 Mountjoy Total 3 Midlands Total 12 OSG Total 1 Portlaoise Total 8 PSEC Total 2 St Pats Total 11 Wheatfield Total 1 Grand Total 70 Total no completed 473 Total 543 % completed 87 Total no of staff due increments in No of ratings received above group 864 % ratings complete for 2011 increments 73 TAXATION OF ALLOWANCES On Wednesday 7th December 2011, the National Executive Council was informed that the Irish Prison Service had contacted the Prison Officers Association in respect of the Revenue Commissioners having contacted Prison Management, regarding taxing allowances. Correspondence the Union received from the Official Side was issued in the National Executive Council file in relation to the Plain Clothes Allowance being fully taxable. FORCE MAJEURE On Thursday 3rd November 2011, the Irish Prison Service issued a letter to all staff regarding the use of Force Majeure leave. The Union responded on the 11th November 2011, pointing out where the document could be seen as misleading and expressing our concerns at the lack of consultation on the issue. Alterations were made to the document and a further reply from the employer issued on the 25th November A significant number of Force Majeure applications over the Christmas period were refused by the employer and local management were instructed that decisions to grant Force Majeure leave were going to be made centrally in Irish Prison Service Headquarters in Longford. The union responded on the 30th January 2012 by circulating the membership and informing them where the member disputes the refusal that they should forward all relevant documentation through the branch committee to POA headquarters. A letter was also sent on the 13th February 2012 raising the issue of a generic response to an issue that is subjective in nature as well as the lack of space within the actual Page 12 Prison Officer July 2012

13 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) document to elaborate on the nature of the absence to the extent that the employer had then deemed necessary. A meeting with the employer took place on the Thursday 23rd February 2012 and a letter was forwarded by them on the 27th February 2012 outlining the circumstances required for them to grant Force Majeure Leave and the other options available to the member should he or she decide to accept the refusal of the application. A circular issued to members on the 7th March 2012 reflecting this position. At the National Executive Council meeting held on the 15th March 2012 this process was explained and all options were outlined to the meeting including the requirements for the taking of a successful appeal to a Rights Commissioner. At the time of the Headquarters Report going to print this issue was still on-going. JUSTICE SECTOR PUBLIC SERVICE AGREEMENT ACTION PLAN ORGANISATION/OFFICE/DIVISION: Irish Prison Service JANUARY 2012 NO. ACTION/DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE PROPOSED RELATED SECTION OF AGREEMENT TIMESCALE/PERIOD IN WHICH TO BE ACHIEVED BENEFITS/SAVINGS 1 Carrying out of efficiency review of all prisons supported by development and roll-out of new working practices and policies. This will involve: (a) seeking to actively implement standards of international best practice in relation to conditions of detention. (b) the development and implementation of new working practices and business processes (c) a review of all tasks, posts staffing levels and processes in the prisons (d) greater use of technology (e) development of prison infrastructure to support efficiency (f) greater interagency co-operation within Justice Sector (e.g. with Courts Service and An Garda Siochana) to deliver cross agency efficiencies. (g) examination of outsourcing options. Chapter 4: IPS Appendix - Section 3, 4 & 8. Chapter 4: Sections 4.4, 4.13 and 4.15 Chapter 1: Service Delivery Options Appendix Timescale for completion of reviews set out below. By end 2012 for full implementation of all policies and processes. This will be dependent on some internal and external dependencies. Staff savings of 308 (cash savings) Finalisation of all Prisons Task Reviews Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Implementation of Finding of Task Reviews at all locations. Q Improved Business practice supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item 1. 2 Development of Campus Structures at West Dublin (Wheatfield & Cloverhill Prisons), Midlands (Midlands & Portlaoise Prisons) and Mountjoy (Mountjoy Prison, Dochas Centre, St Patrick s Institution & Training Unit. This will involve a three stage process 1. Unified Governance 2. Shared Services, and 3. Unitary Staffing Chapter 4 Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Governance Q Shared Service Q Unitary Staffing over lifetime of Agreement Improved Business practice supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item 1. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 13

14 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) NO. ACTION/DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE PROPOSED RELATED SECTION OF AGREEMENT TIMESCALE/PERIOD IN WHICH TO BE ACHIEVED BENEFITS/SAVINGS 3 Following the efficiency review the IPS will open new Prisoner Accommodation based on new more efficient staffing models and levels at: (a) Dochas Centre (b) Midlands Prison (c) Mountjoy Prison Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. By end Q Savings dependent on range of internal and external dependencies (costs avoided). Addressing issues associated with outdated accommodation, overcrowding, sanitation problems etc. Improve the standard of the prison estate for both prisoners and staff. 4 Development of processes to foster greater Chapter 4 interagency co-operation in the criminal justice sector and community sector to improve Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. rehabilitation through a focus on development of continuum of care models from pre-custody to post release. Ongoing Improved Business process 5 Introduction of Prison Administration & Support Officer Grade. Chapter 4: IPS Appendix Section 6. Q Agreement has been reached on the introduction of this new grade which will deliver 3.1 million (cash savings) when certain restructuring costs (e.g. red-circling) are extinguished through natural wastage. Issuing of circular for appointments to be issued in Q with staff entering service in Q Implementation of Incentivised Regimes policy across entire prison estate. Implementation of Integrated Sentence Management policy across entire prison estate. Review and Development of all Prisoner Programmes & Regime policies and structures. Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Q Q Improved Business practice supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item 1. Re-engineering the prison system to ensure that prisoner sentences are managed to ensure the appropriate progression of prisoners through the system with a view to enhancing the prospect of their rehabilitation and reintegration. Restructuring the Prison Services and resources (including staffing levels) to ensure that the level of security in relation to individual services, tasks, units of accommodation, prisons is commensurate with the security risks of the prisoners receiving these specific services or being accommodated in these units of accommodation. 7 Review of Healthcare Policies & Structures Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Improved Business practice supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item 1. 8 Review of Trades, Maintenance, Compliance and Environmental policies and structures Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Improved Business practice supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item 1. Page 14 Prison Officer July 2012

15 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) NO. ACTION/DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE PROPOSED RELATED SECTION OF AGREEMENT TIMESCALE/PERIOD IN WHICH TO BE ACHIEVED BENEFITS/SAVINGS 9 Examination of delivery of Tuck Shop services. Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Improved Business practice supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item Implementation of New IPS Policies in relation to: 1. Prisoner property 2. Prison Day 3. Escorting in Prisons Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Improved Business practice supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item Introduction of Open Recruitment above current entry grade at Campus Governor and other Grades. Chapter 4 Commencing Q Improved business process. 12 Introduction of Scheme of Accelerated Promotion Chapter 4: IPS Appendix Section 6. Q Improved business process. 13 Development of Cross-Stream reporting relationships Chapter 4: Section 4.4 Q Improved business process. 14 Review of all Allowances Chapter 4 Q Cash Savings 15 Examination of processes for promotion and assignment to higher duties etc. The use of seniority for such purposes will no longer apply. Chapter 4: Section 4.11 Q Improved business process. 16 Review of Management Structures Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item Development and Introduction of improved ICT solutions including 1. PIMS 2. PHMS 3. HRMS 4. PAMS 5. Videolink Chapter 4: IPS Appendix.. During 2012 Improved Business processes supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item Review Competency Framework and Responsibilities associated with all roles. Chapter 4 Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Improved Business practices supporting delivery of Staff Savings provided for at Item Implementation plans will be prepared to implement all the actions in this plan. It will include a timetable and implementation method to cover actions at prison, campus, sector and cross sector level. Chapter 4 Chapter 4: IPS Appendix. Q Delivery of Implementation Action Plan. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 15

16 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) 15TH PROGRESS REPORT SENT BY M MCLOONE TO PJ FITZPATRICK 22nd March 2012 I set out hereunder progress made in implementing the Agreement with particular reference to actions implemented since the previous report. PAYROLL SAVINGS Set out below is the actual staffing reduction and associated prison grade payroll savings that have been achieved on 10 March based on previously agreed levels. Institution Previously Actual Staffing Agreed 10 March Reduction Staffing Position Level Arbour Hill Castlerea Cloverhill Cork Dochas Limerick Loughan House Midlands Mountjoy Portlaoise St Patrick s Institution Shelton Abbey Training Unit Wheatfield Prison Service Escort Corp (3.5) Operational Support Group CPU & RDC (Procurement) Building Service Division Training Centre Headquarters Total 314 The staffing reduction set out above will be offset by the introduction of c.130 new Prison Administration & Support Grades who will be redeployed through a recruitment process from elsewhere within the Civil Service during The annualised cost reduction associated with the avoidance of 314 staff pay would be in the order of c. 21 million. The annualised costs of the introduction of the new Prison Administration & Support grades will be c. 4.5 million. The net effect of this change in the staffing configuration through overall headcount reduction and grade restructuring will be in the order of 16.5 million. In addition to this net staffing reduction and restructuring, new prisoner accommodation at Wheatfield and Limerick Prisons were opened with reduced staffing requirements. New prisoner accommodation was opened at Wheatfield prison in September 2010 with a staffing complement of 82. Without agreement on new working practices the number of staff required to open and operate this new accommodation would have been 112 staff. This represented a saving of 30 staff and a 1.5m per annum cost avoided. Further new prisoner accommodation will open in late On this basis the IPS will reach the targeted level of prison grade payroll savings ( 21 million) set out in the Agreement. INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Despite the significant reductions in staffing levels outlined above and notwithstanding the delays in the introduction of the new Prison Administration & Support grades, industrial relations within the IPS have remained good during this challenging period. This has been achieved through a clear focus on communications facilitated through bilateral engagement and, notably, the Sectoral Group. Agreement was reached in relation to the temporary redeployment of staff within the IPS to address short term problems at particular institutions and ensure a smooth period of transition as retirements peaked at end February. These form a core part of the IPS transition response to address gaps left by retirements post 1 March. SERVICE DELIVERY While the reduction in staffing required has been progressed, the required changes in the operating practices and policies, including in particular Incentivised Regimes and Integrated Sentence Management, to ensure the maintenance or improvement in service levels have not progressed at the rate anticipated. This has led to concerns in relation to the quality of service delivery. The delivery of improved service levels within the new, reduced, staffing allocation will be achieved through the implementation of the findings of the Joint Task Review process provided for in the Agreement. The Joint Task Review Reports in respect of the following prisons have been signed off and implementation has already commenced on aspects of the reports: Cloverhill, Wheatfield, and Loughan House. The reports in respect of Shelton Abbey, Castlerea and IPS Training Centre will be signed off by the end of March. Task Reviews are currently ongoing at the Operational Support Group, Limerick, Cork, Arbour Hill, the Criminal Courts of Justice Complex and Mountjoy It is planned to commence reviews in the remaining prisons in the Page 16 Prison Officer July 2012

17 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Mountjoy Complex in April and at Portlaoise and Midlands the following month. The full and speedy implementation of these Reports will ensure the restructuring of the Prison system to ensure the appropriate progression of prisoners through the system to enhance their prospects of rehabilitation and reintegration. Focus of all stakeholders in the process is now clearly on implementation. DEVELOPMENTS SINCE LAST UPDATE A Sectoral Group meeting was held on 16 March. The Chair reinforced the focus on completing task reviews and focusing on the implementation of the Action Plans to deliver results at prison, campus, sector and cross-sector levels through agreement on the structure of accountability for decisionmaking. Both the Staff and Official side indicated their commitment to implementation. The Circular to provide for the redeployment of 130 staff from elsewhere in the Civil Service into the new Prison Administration & Support Officer 3 (PASO) grades issued on 29 February. The closing date for applications is 22 March The Public Appointments Service is handling the recruitments process. The Circulars for the PASO Grades 1 & 2 are being drafted and will issue shortly. Interviews for the posts to support the training of new PASO staff were completed and two successful candidates will be assigned to the Organisational Development and Support Unit from 2 April. The process of redeployment of serving Clerks to more frontline duties continues to progress well with Clerks commencing experiential training for their new roles. The suitability assessment process agreed with the Chair of the Sectoral Group has commenced for the current Clerk 1 grade across the Service. This process will be completed by 2 April and the Clerk 1s will be advised of their redeployment proposal. The posts of Campus Governor will be advertised by the Public Appointments Service on 23 March and it is hoped to have people in these positions within 3 months of the advertisement. This will facilitate the progression of the development of the agreed new Campus structures in the prisons, whereby eight separate prison management structures will be combined into three consolidated Campus management structures. The implementation of new Campus Governance structures, in addition to generating substantial savings at senior management levels, will greatly facilitate the further development of shared services on each Campus. The trades/main-tenance and healthcare functions, and the security services provided by the Operational Support Group, have been identified as the most appropriate areas for early adaptation to delivery on a Campus Shared Services Model. Management is also reviewing all management grades in the prisons at Chief Officer 2 and above. It is intended to forward a proposal and engage with the Staff Associations by the end of March on a revised management structure across the Service. This should generate substantial savings at senior management levels. The Detailing Subgroup of the Sectoral Group is examining options to develop rostering and detailing of staff, including the management of leave and other absences, and the deployment of the appropriate skills and experience to meet the business requirements of the prisons, on both a Campus and a nationwide basis. This includes consideration of current business processes, and the enhancement or replacement of existing computer and management systems. New policies to support the more efficient operation of the Prison system and providing for prisoner enhanced regimes are being developed. These include the Incentivised Regimes Policy; escorting of contractors and others within prisons; the Standard Prisons Day; Prisoner Property Policy; Communications Policy; Prisoner Tuck Shops, etc. The Prison Service continues to participate in processes to foster greater inter-agency cooperation in the criminal justice sector and community sector. In particular the Prison Service is represented on the group established to review efficiencies in the Circuit and District Courts. This could lead to significant savings in relation to the escorting of prisoners. The next meeting of the Sectoral Group is scheduled for 20th April Prison Officer July 2012 Page 17

18 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) SUMMARY OF THE IRISH PRISON SERVICE THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN, APRIL 2012 THE FULL DOCUMENT WAS ISSUED TO THE NEC 19TH APRIL 2012 IPS Strategic Plan Rebalancing Imprisonment pathways to rehabilitation Part 1 Context Operating Environment budget, staff nos, prisoner nos, domestic and international obligations, risks currently facing the organisation, public sector agreement/transformation etc Policy Context needs to reflect Programme for Government Critical Success Factors cooperation, communication, risk management, evidenced based approach, innovation, partnership etc Part 2 Strategy *Our mission *Our vision *Our values Our strategic actions Our strategic outcomes what we aim to achieve To be developed following consultation and discussion with staff. HIGH LEVEL STRATEGIC GOALS We will actively implement the Inspector of Prison s Standards and Guidelines ensuring Ireland is in compliance with domestic and international obligations and best practice 0 We will increase public safety by reducing reoffending and improving rehabilitation through enhancing prison based programmes and cooperation with other statutory agencies and with the community and voluntary sector, developing a continuum of care from pre-custody to post release Strategic Actions 1 Prison Numbers We will reduce the capacity of our prisons in line with the guidelines laid down by the Inspector of Prisons. We will ensure that all prisoners released early from custody are placed on appropriate, structured programmes of temporary release. 2 Prisoner Progression We will re-engineer our prison system to give effect to the principles of normalisation, progression and reintegration. We will end the detention of children in St. Patrick s Institution. 3 Prisoner Programmes Through engaging with other statutory agencies, in particular the Probation Service, and the community and voluntary sector, we will work to develop a system of end to end joined up care from pre to post imprisonment in order to improve outcomes for prisoners. We will devise specific strategies for younger prisoners, women, older prisoners, sex offenders, vulnerable prisoners and those suffering from mental illness. 4 Prison Estate We will implement a 40 month capital plan to provide in cell sanitation in all cells and radically improve prison conditions in the older parts of the prison estate. 5 Management and Staffing We will implement the provisions of the Public Service Agreement in order to maintain essential front line services. We will review our management and staffing structures at Headquarters to ensure greater efficiency and strengthen accountability and communication across the Service. 6 Consolidation of Prison Legislation We will work with the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to consolidating all prison related legislation. STRATEGIC ACTIONS 1 Prison Numbers We will reduce the capacity of our prisons in line with the guidelines laid down by the Inspector of Prisons. We will ensure that all prisoners released early from custody are placed on appropriate, structured programmes of temporary release. 1.1 We will reduce the existing bed capacity of the Irish Prison Service to that recommended by the Inspector of Prisons by In 2012 and the Page 18 Prison Officer July 2012

19 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) first quarter of 2013 our focus will be on reducing chronic overcrowding in Mountjoy, Cork, Limerick and the Dochas Centre. 1.2 In conjunction with the Community Statutory Body, the Probation Service, we will commence the national roll out of the Community Return Programme in We will increase the number of prisoners benefiting from this structured form of release through enhancing our cooperation with the Probation Service including the co-location of staff to jointly manage this project. We aim to achieve the placement, per annum, of: 1,500 prisoners serving sentences of less than 12 months 300 prisoners serving sentences of 1-5 years 100 prisoners serving sentences of 5-8 years. 1.3 In conjunction with the Probation Service, we will establish and resource a Community Return Company in order to maximize the availability of structured programmes in the community, providing reparation to society and assisting prisoners in their rehabilitation 1.4 We will work in partnership with the Parole Board to increase the number of long term and life sentenced prisoners being dealt with on an annual basis. 2 Prisoner Progression We will re-engineer our prison system to give effect to the principles of normalisation, progression and reintegration. We will end the detention of children in St. Patrick s Institution. 2.1 We will designate the security level and regime status of our 14 prisons and ensure that prisoners sentences are managed to ensure appropriate progression through the system with a view to enhancing normalisation, rehabilitation and reintegration. 2.2 We will introduce appropriate risk assessment procedures to inform our prisoner placement policy. 2.3 We will introduce dedicated committal areas in all committal prisons. 2.4 We will end the imprisonment of children in St Patrick s Institution by In the interim, we will radically reduce the number in custody in the interim through a multi-agency approach with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs/Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS), the Probation Service and the Health Service Executive. 3 Prisoner Programmes Through, engaging with other statutory agencies and the community and voluntary sector, we will work to develop a system of end to end joined up care from pre to post imprisonment to improve outcomes for prisoners. We will devise specific strategies for younger prisoners, women, older prisoners, sex offenders, vulnerable prisoners and those suffering from mental illness. 3.1 In consultation with other key stakeholders, we will develop specific strategies1 which will be responsive to the particular needs of: younger prisoners, women prisoners, older prisoners, sex offenders, vulnerable prisoners, and those suffering from mental illness. 3.2 In conjunction with the Probation Service, we will initiate a Social Impact Investment that will support an outcome based contract with a community based organisation to provide a programme of support to short sentence prisoners, commencing in prison, but particularly on their release, to reduce re-offending and enable reintegration in their communities. 3.3 We will roll out our national Incentivised Regimes Policy and introduce individual incentivised regime policies in each prison in order to provide tangible incentives to prisoners to participate in structured activities and to reinforce incentives for good behaviour, leading to a safer and more secure environment. 3.5 We will enhance prison based rehabilitative programmes including Integrated Sentence Management (ISM), education, work training and resettlement programmes. 3.6 We will introduce drug free units in all closed prisons, continue to develop drug treatment services and enhance supply reduction measures across the prison estate. 1 Each of the strategies will be appended to this Plan. Significant work has already taken place with the relevant stakeholders. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 19

20 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) 4 Prison Estate We will implement a 40 month capital plan to provide in cell sanitation in all cells and radically improve prison conditions in the older parts of the prison estate. 4.1 Over the lifetime of our capital plan, we will provide in cell sanitation in all remaining areas of the prison estate, providing a toilet and wash hand basin in every locked cell. 4.2 We will undertake capital projects in order to replace outdated accommodation in: Cork prison Limerick prison Mountjoy prison (A, B & D wings) Portlaoise E Block Over the next 4 weeks, following the completion of feasibility studies which are currently ongoing, we will present a clear, timetabled capital plan which will detail the works which will be undertaken over the lifetime of our plan. A specific plan to address the issues of lack of in cell sanitation and inadequate physical infrastructure in Cork has already been drafted and is currently with the Minister for his approval. 5 Management and Staffing We will implement the provisions of the Public Service Agreement in order to maintain essential front line services. We will review our management and staffing structures at Headquarters to ensure greater efficiency and strengthen accountability and communication across the Service. 5.1 We will implement the provisions of the Public Service Agreement including: carrying out a joint task review of all prisons with a view to introducing more efficient staffing models, the introduction of new Prison Grades, introduction of open recruitment, and the introduction of a new absence management policy with a view to reducing sick leave by 33%. 5.2 We will review and restructure our management and staffing structures at Headquarters to ensure greater efficiency. 5.3 We will establish a Professional Standards Unit which will ensure compliance with policy across the Service and which will play a key role in the investigation of serious complaints and incidents. 5.4 We will establish a Legal Unit to ensure a professional, coordinated, efficient approach to all legal cases involving the Service. 5.5 Health and Safety/Compliance text to be developed include mention of safety of staff 6 Consolidation of Prison Legislation We will work with the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to consolidating all prison related legislation. To be developed in conjunction with Prisons Policy and Criminal Law Divisions PAY RATES Grade Annual Scale Description Rate Point Deputy Governor 59, Deputy Governor 61, Deputy Governor 62, Deputy Governor 64, Deputy Governor 66, Deputy Governor 67, Deputy Governor PPC 62, Deputy Governor PPC 64, Deputy Governor PPC 65, Deputy Governor PPC 67, Deputy Governor PPC 69, Deputy Governor PPC 71, Assistant Governor 54, Assistant Governor 55, Assistant Governor 57, Assistant Governor 58, Assistant Governor 60, Assistant Governor 61, Assistant Governor PPC 57, Assistant Governor PPC 58, Assistant Governor PPC 60, Assistant Governor PPC 61, Assistant Governor PPC 63, Assistant Governor PPC 65, Assistant Governor of Works 54, Assistant Governor of Works 55, Assistant Governor of Works 57, Assistant Governor of Works 58, Assistant Governor of Works 60, Assistant Governor of Works 61, Page 20 Prison Officer July 2012

21 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Grade Annual Scale Description Rate Point Assistant Governor of Works PPC 57, Assistant Governor of Works PPC 58, Assistant Governor of Works PPC 60, Assistant Governor of Works PPC 61, Assistant Governor of Works PPC 63, Assistant Governor of Works PPC 65, Inspector of Works 50, Inspector of Works 52, Inspector of Works 55, Inspector of Works 57, Inspector of Works 60, Inspector of Works 61, Inspector of Works PPC 53, Inspector of Works PPC 55, Inspector of Works PPC 58, Inspector of Works PPC 60, Inspector of Works PPC 63, Inspector of Works PPC 65, Chief Officer I 50, Chief Officer I 51, Chief Officer I 53, Chief Officer I 54, Chief Officer I 56, Chief Officer I 57, Chief Officer I PPC 53, Chief Officer I PPC 54, Chief Officer I PPC 56, Chief Officer I PPC 57, Chief Officer I PPC 59, Chief Officer I PPC 60, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I 50, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I 51, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I 53, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I 54, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I 56, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I 57, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I PPC 53, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I PPC 54, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I PPC 56, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I PPC 57, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I PPC 59, Industrial Training Instructor Grade I PPC 60, Grade Annual Scale Description Rate Point Chief Trades Officer I 48, Chief Trades Officer I 51, Chief Trades Officer I 53, Chief Trades Officer I 54, Chief Trades Officer I PPC 50, Chief Trades Officer I PPC 53, Chief Trades Officer I PPC 55, Chief Trades Officer I PPC 57, Healthcare Nurse Manager 48, Healthcare Nurse Manager 51, Healthcare Nurse Manager 53, Healthcare Nurse Manager 54, Industrial Training Instructor II 40, Industrial Training Instructor II 42, Industrial Training Instructor II 45, Industrial Training Instructor II 47, Industrial Training Instructor II 49, Industrial Training Instructor II 51, Industrial Training Instructor II 53, Industrial Training Instructor II 55, Industrial Training Instructor II 57, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 42, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 45, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 47, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 49, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 52, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 54, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 56, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 57, Industrial Training Instructor II PPC 59, Chief Officer II 44, Chief Officer II 45, Chief Officer II 47, Chief Officer II 48, Chief Officer II 50, Chief Officer II 51, Chief Officer II PPC 46, Chief Officer II PPC 48, Chief Officer II PPC 49, Chief Officer II PPC 51, Chief Officer II PPC 52, Chief Officer II PPC 54, Prison Officer July 2012 Page 21

22 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Grade Annual Scale Description Rate Point Clerk Of Works 44, Clerk Of Works 45, Clerk Of Works 47, Clerk Of Works 48, Clerk Of Works 50, Clerk Of Works 51, Clerk of Works PPC 46, Clerk of Works PPC 48, Clerk of Works PPC 49, Clerk of Works PPC 51, Clerk of Works PPC 52, Clerk of Works PPC 54, Industrial Manager 44, Industrial Manager 45, Industrial Manager 47, Industrial Manager 48, Industrial Manager 50, Industrial Manager 51, Industrial Manager PPC 46, Industrial Manager PPC 48, Industrial Manager PPC 49, Industrial Manager PPC 51, Industrial Manager PPC 52, Industrial Manager PPC 54, Chief Trades Officer II 44, Chief Trades Officer II 45, Chief Trades Officer II 47, Chief Trades Officer II 48, Chief Trades Officer II 50, Chief Trades Officer II 51, Chief Trades Officer II PPC 46, Chief Trades Officer II PPC 48, Chief Trades Officer II PPC 49, Chief Trades Officer II PPC 51, Chief Trades Officer II PPC 52, Chief Trades Officer II PPC 54, Clerk I 44, Clerk I 45, Clerk I 47, Clerk I 48, Clerk I 50, Clerk I 51, Grade Annual Scale Description Rate Point Clerk I PPC 46, Clerk I PPC 48, Clerk I PPC 49, Clerk I PPC 51, Clerk I PPC 52, Clerk I PPC 54, Chief Nurse Officer II 44, Chief Nurse Officer II 45, Chief Nurse Officer II 47, Chief Nurse Officer II 48, Chief Nurse Officer II 50, Chief Nurse Officer II 51, Assistant Chief Officer I 39, Assistant Chief Officer I 41, Assistant Chief Officer I 43, Assistant Chief Officer I 45, Assistant Chief Officer I 47, Assistant Chief Officer I PPC 41, Assistant Chief Officer I PPC 43, Assistant Chief Officer I PPC 46, Assistant Chief Officer I PPC 48, Assistant Chief Officer I PPC 49, Clerk II 39, Clerk II 41, Clerk II 43, Clerk II 45, Clerk II 47, Clerk II PPC 41, Clerk II PPC 43, Clerk II PPC 46, Clerk II PPC 48, Clerk II PPC 49, Industrial Supervisor 39, Industrial Supervisor 41, Industrial Supervisor 43, Industrial Supervisor 45, Industrial Supervisor 47, Industrial Supervisor PPC 41, Industrial Supervisor PPC 43, Industrial Supervisor PPC 46, Industrial Supervisor PPC 48, Industrial Supervisor PPC 49, Page 22 Prison Officer July 2012

23 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Grade Annual Scale Description Rate Point Trades Officer 36, Trades Officer 37, Trades Officer 39, Trades Officer 40, Trades Officer 42, Trades Officer 44, Trades Officer 45, Trades Officer 47, Trades Officer PPC 38, Trades Officer PPC 39, Trades Officer PPC 41, Trades Officer PPC 42, Trades Officer PPC 44, Trades Officer PPC 43, Trades Officer PPC 48, Trades Officer PPC 49, Prison Officer 29, Prison Officer 31, Prison Officer 32, Prison Officer 33, Prison Officer 34, Prison Officer 35, Prison Officer 36, Prison Officer 37, Prison Officer 38, Prison Officer 40, Prison Officer 41, Prison Officer PPC 31, Prison Officer PPC 32, Prison Officer PPC 33, Prison Officer PPC 35, Prison Officer PPC 36, Prison Officer PPC 37, Prison Officer PPC 38, Prison Officer PPC 39, Prison Officer PPC 40, Prison Officer PPC 42, Prison Officer PPC 43, Nurse Officer 29, Nurse Officer 31, Nurse Officer 32, Nurse Officer 33, Nurse Officer 34, Grade Annual Scale Description (continued) Rate Point Nurse Officer 35, Nurse Officer 36, Nurse Officer 37, Nurse Officer 38, Nurse Officer 40, Nurse Officer 41, Nurse Officer PPC 31, Nurse Officer PPC 32, Nurse Officer PPC 33, Nurse Officer PPC 35, Nurse Officer PPC 36, Nurse Officer PPC 37, Nurse Officer PPC 38, Nurse Officer PPC 39, Nurse Officer PPC 40, Nurse Officer PPC 42, Nurse Officer PPC 43, Recruit Prison Officer 23, Recruit Prison Officer 24, Recruit Prison Officer 25, Recruit Prison Officer PPC 24, Recruit Prison Officer PPC 25, Recruit Prison Officer PPC 26, Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Assistant Industrial Supervisor PPC Prison Officer July 2012 Page 23

24 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) ALLOWANCES INSTRUCTOR (PRISON OFFICER) IN VARIOUS PRISONS AND PLACES OF DETENTION 2.5% 2.5% -5% REDUCED PRSI 1 March September Jan-10 CLASS 1 IST YEAR ,731 2,799 2,659 2ND YEAR ,363 3,447 3,275 3RD YEAR ,259 4,365 4,147 CLASS ,731 2,799 2, % 2.5% -5% FULL PRSI 1 March September Jan-10 CLASS 1 IST YEAR ,877 2,949 2,801 2ND YEAR ,541 3,630 3,448 3RD YEAR ,487 4,599 4,369 CLASS ,877 2,949 2,801 PRISON SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE INSTRUCTOR ALLOWANCES 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI ACO Beladd/ACO TLO ,731 2,799 2,659 CO2/A/g beladd ,363 3,447 3, % 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI ACO Beladd /ACO TLO ,877 2,949 2,801 CO2/A/g beladd ,541 3,630 3,448 ALLOWANCES POSTS IN VARIOUS PRISONS AND PLACES OF DETENTION 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI ACO HOSPITAL WING MOUNTJOY ,189 1,219 1,158 HOSPITAL ORDERLY ,363 3,447 3,275 1 March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI ACO HOSPITAL WING - - MOUNTJOY ,249 1,280 1,216 HOSPITAL ORDERLY ,541 3,630 3, % 2.5% -5% NURSE OFFICER ALLOWANCE (revised from 1/6/05) 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI ,684 5,826 5,535 FULL PRSI ,984 6,134 5,827 POSTS (e.g butcher, cook, gardener, etc) with equivalent in amount to Class II Instructor 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI - Baker (804), Butcher (806), Cook (113) 2,731 2,799 2,659 - Gardener (120), Laundry (112), 2,731 2,799 2,659 - Searching (132), Tuck Shop (125) 2,731 2,799 2,659 FULL PRSI - Baker (3804), Butcher (3806), Cook (3113) 2,877 2,949 2,801 - Gardener (3120), Laundry (3112), 2,877 2,949 2,801 - Searching (3132), Tuck Shop (3125) 2,877 2,949 2,801 PRISON OFFICER IN CHARGE OF SCHOOL (Mountjoy, Arbour Hill, St. Patrick s and Cork) 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI ,731 2,799 2,659 FULL PRSI ,877 2,949 2,801 MAIN GATE OFFICER MOUNTJOY PRISON 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI ,731 2,799 2,659 FULL PRSI ,877 2,949 2,801 RECEPTION OFFICER MOUNTJOY PRISON 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI ,731 2,799 2,659 1 March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI ,877 2,949 2,801 Page 24 Prison Officer July 2012

25 Pay Developments on Pay May 2011 May 2012 (continued) PRISON OFFICER - DETAIL DUTIES 2.5% 2.5% - 5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI ,215 1,245 1,183 1 March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI ,276 1,308 1,243 CLERK TO VISITING COMMITTEE PRISON OFFICER - DETAIL DUTIES 2.5% 2.5% - 5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI Subject to a maximum per annum of March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI Subject to a maximum per annum of CLERK TO REVIEW MEETING 2.5% 2.5% - 5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI Subject to a maximum per annum of March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI Subject to a maximum per annum of March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI SPIKE ISLAND March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI SPIKE ISLAND ENVIRONMENTAL ALLOWANCE (PORTLAOISE) 2.5% 2.5% - 5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI COURT ESCORTS 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI > 3 HOURS < 3 HOURS March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI > 3 HOURS < 3 HOURS INDUSTRIAL ALLOWANCES 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 REDUCED PRSI Industrial Mgr Industrial Super Asst. Ind. Super March September Jan-10 FULL PRSI Industrial Mgr Industrial Super Asst. Ind. Super SORT Duty Annual Allowances 1 March September Jan-10 D/Gov ,098 7,275 6,912 D/Gov ppc ,472 7,659 7,276 A/Gov ,507 6,670 6,336 A/Gov ppc ,850 7,021 6,670 CO ,915 6,063 5,760 CO1 ppc ,227 6,383 6,064 CO ,324 5,457 5,184 CO2 ppc ,604 5,744 5,457 ACO(Detail) ,732 4,850 4,608 ACO(Detail) ppc ,981 5,106 4,850 Industrial Supervisor (Kitchen and Bakery) ,915 6,063 5,760 Industrial Supervisor (Kitchen and Bakery) ppc ,227 6,383 6,064 SORT Duty Annual Allowances BSD 2.5% 2.5% -5% 1 March September Jan-10 D/Gov BSD (866) 4,259 4,365 4,147 D/Gov BSD ppc (3866) 4,483 4,595 4,365 A/Gov, Inspector of Works, Environmental Manager, BSD, A/Gov Clonskeagh (867) 3,904 4,002 3,802 A/Gov, Inspector of Works, Environmental Manager, BSD, A/Gov Clonskeagh ppc (3867) 4,110 4,213 4,002 Prison Officer July 2012 Page 25

26 Mountjoy Guard of Honour / Weymes Scholarship Mountjoy Prison Guard of Honour Trip to Savannah The guard of honour from Mountjoy prison travelled to Savannah Georgia for the St Patricks day parade This was the second visit to Savannah for the guard of honour having participated in the 2010 parade. On Thursday 15th March we were guests of the Southeast Georgia Police Emerald Society at their St Patricks day launch in the Knights of Columbas hall. Two police pipe bands and the Irish Air Corps pipe band entertained the guests and we were welcomed with open arms again. A scroll from the Lord Mayor of Dublin was presented to the Chairman of the Emerald society by Paul Brennan on behalf of the guard of honour and this was exceptionally well appreciated. The following morning we attended the weekly meeting of several law enforcement departments as they discussed their ongoing ops and problems they were having in their respective assignments. This combined meeting is under the heading MICO- Maritime Interagency Centre of Operations. The departments involved are-fbi, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, US Coast Guard, US Homeland Security & the Georgia Police Department. We were then brought on a tour of the Savannah port and docks, where we were given a talk on the work of the coast guard and homeland security ops. The day of the parade dawned and it was yet another day in the high 20s temperature wise. Many thousands of spectators lined the streets and it was estimated that the parade was bigger than New York, making it the biggest parade in the world. After the parade we were again guests of the Police Emerald society and many a drink was drank and many new friendships were made. Paul Brennan was YET AGAIN interviewed for TV and was asked about our involvement in the parade. He has a face for radio. The trip was a great success and our newer members of the guard of honour didn t let the side down when it came to socialising with our hosts. Paul Brennan. Weymes Scholarship Scheme Winners & Reserves WINNERS 2012 Ref. Candidate Member Prison 152 Louise Stynes Thelma O Connor BSD 3 Edward O Friel Roisin O Friel Training Unit 142 Kieran Quinn Harry Quinn Wheatfield 163 Colm Cronin Diarmuid Cronin PSEC 119 Sean Gantley Hannah Gantly Arbour Hill 87 Peter Doyle Kate Doyle Midlands 115 Orlagh Collins Leigh Ann Collins Arbour Hill 91 John Hickey Rachel Hickey Midlands 61 Jeff Cawley Christopher Cawley Castlerea 103 John Guiney Orla Guiney Park House RESERVES Declan Collins Sean Collins Mountjoy 89 Gerry Kennedy Jane Kennedy Midlands 70 Padraic Kilgallen Aoife Kilgallen Castlerea Page 26 Prison Officer July 2012

27 Cloverhill Guard of Honour Cloverhill Guard of Honour Paul Kellett - Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall - Mark Rasmussen - Munich 12 Cloverhill GOH After arranging numerous Guards of Honour in Cloverhill for various events (ACO) Paul Kellett called a meeting in May 09 inviting staff with an interest in ceremonial work to officially form a Guard of Honour in Cloverhill Prison. The response was overwhelming and the committee was elected with Paul Kellett elected as Chairman and Declan Healy, Chris Power, Tommy Carroll and Andy Byrne also elected onto the committee. The first task of the committee was to establish a constitution and arrange a working plan for the guard of honour going forward. A vision for the guard of honour was established: (a) To promote pride, professionalism and commitment in the Irish Prison Service Uniform. (b) To render ceremonial honours to retiring members (c) To render ceremonial honours to deceased members, funerals etc. Training sessions were arranged on a weekly basis and the committee was tasked with sourcing the relevant materials required for the Guard of Honour. A lot of thanks must go to the various Governors and Clerks of stores whom assisted in this matter. The members began to prepare themselves for the future planned events such as Medal Parades and our first foreign trip. In March 2010, 21 members of the Guard of Honour travelled to New York to take part in the annual St Patrick s Day Parade. This trip also incorporated a trip to Rickers Island facility, which proved very enlightening for all members. Over the last number of years the Guard of Honour has provided a ceremonial presence at various funerals and retirement events for staff. The Guard of Honour has also represented Cloverhill Prison and the Irish Prison Service at events in Munich and Waterford as well as the annual P.O.A. Deceased Members Mass. Since the Guard of Honour was formed a number of staff have transferred to various Prisons through-out the country, they still remain eligible for membership to Cloverhill Prison Guard of Honour and remain to do so. The Guard of Honour continues to grow from strength to strength with over 50 members and any Officers wishing to join the Guard of Honour is asked to contact the Chairperson (ACO) Mark Rasmussen or any of the committee members. Waterford 2011 Cloverhill GOH Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall and CTO Delcan Healy - Munich 12 Cloverhill GOH Munich Cloverhill GOH Prison Officer July 2012 Page 27

28 Presidential Address PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS POA 65th Annual Delegate Conference, Galway 2012 Delegates on behalf of the National Executive Council I welcome you all to our 65th Annual Delegate Conference here in the Radisson Hotel here in Galway. I extend a warm welcome to our invited guests including the national media. I want to sincerely thank Minister of State Kathleen Lynch, T.D. for her presence, representing the Minister, who is abroad at this time. I also extend a warm welcome to our trusted colleagues from the British Prison Officers Associations and at this time I especially wish to remember our dear departed colleagues who have passed on throughout this past year. Minister, in my address last year I outlined our grave concerns for a service, which is under immense pressure and facing serious challenges. Overcrowding, drugs, violence, were all highlighted as major impediments on the current service. I also emphasised that the POA was here to do business on developing and providing a Prison Service which we can participate in with pride. Well Minister we have played our part but unfortunately we are confronted by different voices and approaches in the context of discussions with Prison Service Officials, which often leads nowhere and solves nothing. On one side of the Prison Service we are working well to try and work through our problems in the difficult environment we find ourselves in while on the other side of the same organisation we find it is very difficult in regard to implementation of agreements, which is ultimately damaging to our service and grossly unfair on our members. FRONTLINE When people talk about Frontline Services they usually think of Nurses, Gardaí, Fire Fighters and others in uniform. We as Prison Officers never get a mention or a second thought. Well if you work in a prison, you are frontline, and I can vouch for that. When you re daily work is about securing those who have been incarcerated by our judiciary, so that wider society can sleep securely in their beds; this IS frontline work. When you spend your time trying to rehabilitate people who want to be somewhere else and see prison as an extension of their gang hinterland; this is as frontline as it gets - and you delegates can testify to this. What we do as a workforce is very difficult and challenging. I was recently asked by a friend if there was anything happening in our prisons? I have heard nothing about them recently he said. We ll just in the last week our members had to react when a young prisoner was stabbed several times and but for the quick action of prison officers and medics who resuscitated him; would have died. He was stabbed by someone, who he felt was his friend and was seen hanging out with him earlier: the core problem seems to have been access to drugs. Just last Saturday a prisoner needed 54 stitches to his face after he was set upon by other inmates - he had just entered the prison the day before. We recently discovered that one of our members was being followed home by criminals because he had been involved in drug interdiction work within the prison. In relation to yesterday s assault in Cloverhill we wish the Officer well. But as my friend said, NOTHING happening- just nothing..all in the same week. Behind the big walls, the barbed wire and the high fences Prison Officers, working on behalf of the State, face the daily grind of violence, intimidation, drugs, bullying and harassment and accusations of all kinds. Where else would you go to work knowing that these issues are all part of your working day. I want Conference and you Minister, as a representative of the Government, to acknowledge that Prison Officers are Frontline Public Servants, in every sense of the word. Accepting that our occupation is challenging in every respect and that we are a frontline service we want to make it clear that there is no scope for further cuts in pay or allowances. Can I make that entirely clear HANDS OFF OUR PAY AND ALLOWANCES? Our so called family friendly rosters require us to provide cover 24 hours night and day, seven days a week, - 52 weeks a year. We Page 28 Prison Officer July 2012

29 Presidential Address view our Rent Allowance and unsocial attendance allowance as pay. Since the introduction of the austerity measures Prison Officers have had a reduction of 14% in take home pay. New recruits have a further 10% reduction, that s 24% We are hurting. Any further efforts to reduce the level of our pay and in particular the pay of Recruit Prison Officers will be resisted strongly. We just want justice and fairness - we have already contributed to the massive savings now being achieved within the public service and enough is enough. So Minister please advise all your colleagues that we do a difficult job and we, together with our families, can t take any further cutbacks. STRATEGIC PLAN On the 3rd of February we were given draft details in relation to the Strategic Plan for the Prison Service. This plan is to be implemented over the next 3 years. It is satisfying to see that the Irish Prison Service proposes to implement many ideas and initiatives which have been identified by this Organisation over the last number of years. But let us be assured that actions speak louder than words. At a recent Irish Penal Reform Trust launch, which I attended, there was a most informative debate where we stressed that the POA would support the Penal Reform Trust on many of its initiatives. Senior Department of Justice Officials at the launch, responded to many of the questions raised, with the answer, there is no money. We know the country is facing financial challenges, we know that but surely we can t give up on a rehabilitative prison system let s be very careful with the new thinking which is driven by a penny wise pound foolish philosophy. If we have a rehabilitate penal system, all the evidence points to this policy saving the exchequer due to, less recidivism, less security and less need for investment in prison services. On the other hand if we don t continue with recruitment and overall investment in the prison services, we will pay a high price in the short and the long term. You can only generate so much by way of efficiencies, after that you are merely destroying the very fabric of the service we are supposedly developing We welcome the recent announcement from Government that children will no longer be detained in St Patrick s Institution, two years from now. Central to any strategic plan must be the full roll out of a proper incentivised regime programme for all Prisons. In such a system staff will play a central role in the rehabilitative regime. Minister two years ago the new wing in Wheatfield was opened with much publicity on the basis that we would introduce an enhanced incentivized regime for the Prisoners being housed there. It is more than obvious now that some local Managers are not supportive of the rollout of the incentive regime program if they did we would surely have moved further than the concept of granting an extra visit and an extra phone call a week as a reward good behaviour. It is a pity that the attitude of some local managers stifles progress with this initiative, despite the best efforts of the Prison Officers Association. Delegates we have to ask - Is it simply that the term, incentivized regime, is being used to reduce staffing levels, irrespective of the impact this is having on the overall functioning of the service? OVERCROWDING Delegates, In the past we have highlighted the appalling, cramped conditions of Irish Prisons that are our places of work. A snapshot of the Irish Prison Service on the 29th March this year shows overcrowding in Mountjoy, Dochas Centre, Castlerea, Cork and the Midlands - but if you were to look at the overall figures you would be fooled into believing that there is no real problem - and that this is merely a POA issue NOT SO. In the Midlands Prison we will have a capacity of 650 from the 1st of May, up from a figure of 624, established on the 27th March and up from a previous capacity of 616. And how many extra cells have been built at the Midlands? NONE. Se we have found an extra 34 spaces by playing around with the figures. We have in the past highlighted how the Irish Prison Service have interchanged the terms cell capacity with bed capacity in order to massage the figures and make the situation appear better than it really is. Thankfully the POA is no longer alone and an isolated voice on this issue. From the Minister, the Director General, the Irish Penal Reform Trust, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhumane or Degrading Treatment (CPT), the Inspector of Prisons, the Dáil subcommittee on Penal Reform and the Prison Chaplains are among the bodies to have published reports or addressed the matter of overcrowding in some way in recent times. Acknowledgement of the problem is a start, Delegates, but only a start. The initiatives like the Fines Bill, restorative justice and tagging have proven to be singularly unsuccessful, while our members on the ground are being required to do more with less staff in increasingly dangerous prisons. It is well to illustrate that the gang member or disruptive prisoner who has no intention of complying Prison Officer July 2012 Page 29

30 Presidential Address with the system is able to act with impunity within that system once they are covered by the shroud of overcrowding. Dwindling prison officer numbers and increasing prisoner numbers means that officers supervisory activities can become little more than head counting. The Transformation with its incentivised regime is still some time away and we still have the chaff and the wheat together; there is no clarity so success is impossible. The PASO grades are still not here and there is no recruitment on the horizon. With many of our Prisons under staffed the only thing we have left, Delegates, is the Diminishing Task Lines, or DTLs as we call them, that basically mean that prisoners cannot receive the full range of services on a particular day once the full staffing is not available. However detailed the templates that are devised, there is always some reason or another not to implement the DTLs. Each and every person in this state is being told to cut their cloths etc as to their means - everyone except prisoners. Prison Officers have never refused to provide services to prisoners, indeed on a daily basis staff go above and beyond their work requirements to ensure that prisons run smoothly. But there is a limit and when we breach these limits, prisons become unsafe for prison officers and prisons alike What everybody should realise particularly local managers is that the introduction of the DTLs is Irish Prison Service policy. If something happens where somebody gets hurt because the DTLs have not been implemented who do you think will be held accountable? With regard to overcrowding, a more pragmatic solution has been forwarded that includes the construction of a new prison in Cork, having been for a long time the most overcrowded prison in the system. The Irish Prison Service has devised an approach to address the overcrowding in Cork Prison through the enhancement of sentence management, prisoner interventions and structured release of suitably risk assessed prisoners into the community. It was envisaged that by the end of January this year that the bed capacity would reduce to 250 and thereafter to 220 once the new Midlands Wing opens in the autumn. These initiatives and objectives are welcomed but we must be wary of the catch. The statutory and nonstatutory bodies that are integral to this initiative are themselves under mounting pressure for resources and so it is difficult to see where they will be able to handle the extra work associated with it. On the 10th April 293 were in custody and today there are 283. It is well to remember that a vision without substance is merely a hallucination. PRISON GANGS Minister, you don t need me to tell you that prison gangs are active, vicious and very dangerous in most of our prisons. We have heard some evidence of how these gangs operate on the outside in our courts in recent weeks. This is an unsafe situation, which can have dreadful consequences. Aside from our members safety some very compliant prisoners are terrified by these gangs, as they very simply set up systems, which mirror their modus operandi in their communities. The Prison Service seems to largely ignore this most threatening development and it is left pretty much to the individual officer to work it out on a day by day basis. This is unfair and unsafe. I am asking you here today to put in place an independent review of the development and control of the criminal gangs in our prison system and have clear concise and effective recommendations on how it can be controlled. These gangs are violent, threatening and a major source of fear and stress for the wider prison population and there are remedies such as isolation, which can address the situation. If some action is not taken on this issue we will have increasing problems, which will be more difficult to resolve in the longer term. Let s face the reality here Minister, These gangs just do not go away you know FIGHTING FOR FAIRNESS Colleagues we often forget in the trying times like the present we sometimes lose sight of the very significant strides made by Trade Unions, on behalf of workers. However, the fight for fairness, the theme of our conference, is as relevant today as it was at the time of our movement s beginnings. I recently attended an event hosted by the Irish Penal Reform Trust, entitled, Strengthening Accountability Behind Bars Rights and Prisoners Complaints, where the issue of introducing a Prison Ombudsman was favoured by all present, except the Minister s representative. I believe the introduction of a Prison Ombudsman would be a positive and progressive step. Anybody who makes a genuine honest mistake should have nothing to fear from an independent process; and of course that process must be based on clearly established due process. Delegates you will all be aware of our present Code of Discipline, where virtually no Prison Officers are found innocent, despite their declared position and explanation. This is a totally intolerable and unjust. We should not see a situation like we did over the past year where a Prison Officer had to go to the Employment Page 30 Prison Officer July 2012

31 Presidential Address Appeals Tribunal, after being ill health retired from the Prison Service to receive their just monetary entitlements. This difficult battle to have an injury on duty recorded to get this former Prison Officer a just and fair entitlement, dragged out unnecessarily despite the fact that all through this time, the authorities had a report from the prisoner admitting an assault on the Officer in question. Minister I ask where is the fairness and transparency in that? ACCUSATIONS AGAINST STAFF Many Prison Officers are subject to disciplinary allegations and investigations of assault. The reality is the more effective a Prison Officer you are in terms of implementing Governors Orders and Prison Rules the more likely you are to be charged with an offence of some kind. This is a game which is played out in prisons, by smart and devious prisoners, who know how to manipulate the system. While we do accept that complaints of assault or abuse have to be investigated, - a stressful process for any Officer - they must be investigated fairly for all parties. Where complaints have been proven to be frivolous in nature the full rigors of the law should be brought to bear. We cannot have a situation where for mischievous reasons a prisoner makes an accusation in the knowledge that he is the winner no matter what is the outcome of the Investigation. We must have a deterrent to prevent such occurrences. Addressing the Code of Discipline has to be a priority Three years ago we submitted a claim to have the current Disciplinary Code for Officers replaced by a new set of rules. Some three years later, this has not happened and I must ask why? The current system that finds virtually all Prison Grades who go before an oral hearing under our Code guilty; regardless of the evidence is deplorable. Where would you see written evidence of support against an accusation being disregarded just on the whim of the presiding Governor? This situation is exasperated by the fact, that in the vast majority of disciplinary cases, it is abundantly clear that the punishments being awarded by Prison Governors by far outweigh the offences. Where I ask has the old fair concept of the punishment fitting the offence gone? When it applies to prison officers. This is a kangaroo court system which must be abolished. We want Fairness in relation to introduction an appropriate mechanism to have work related injuries recorded in a fair and transparent manner. We want to have clear and precise procedures to manage sick leave. We are currently seeking a fair and equitable scheme for future Prison Officers, in the context of the proposed new legislation on the single Pension Scheme for Public Servants. We believe that we should be in the same category as all other Civil Servants in this new single pension scheme - and that our future colleagues should not suffer because of the contractual and legal issues related to their employment with the Prison Service. While we were given assurances in regard to fast accrual; current proposals would see new recruits again contributing significantly more than other civil servants to their pension during their service. We want an organizational examination on bullying and harassment in the workplace despite other organizations having such an examination prison officers are being denied it. Colleagues, this union will continue our fight for fairness on these issues in our workplace, these are very serious issues and it is no more than our members working in the prisons today deserve. Finally Delegates, due to the recent economic collapse; a certain level of change is inevitable. Change in itself is not an issue for Prison Officers; we have lived through change in the past and we will do so now to protect our future pay and conditions. We continue to denounce those who believe that the solution to the financial crisis is simply to downsize the Public Service. Well delegates it cannot be just that simple. Everybody must share the burden particularly those who have most. Consequently your role as Branch Representatives has never been more demanding. Our members have been placed under increasing financial pressure, with more demanding workloads and decreased resources. Every delegate here carries a great responsibility, not only here today but everyday throughout the year in representing members. As a representative of this organization, you are integral not only to our own recovery but to our very existence and to our future. I can assure you of our commitment to you all and we will continue to invest in you thus providing an enhanced level of service to our Members. I want to pay tribute to you all because like you, we your National Officers are determined to protect the legitimate interests of our members. We will with all our efforts protect what we have and we will recover. While I do sincerely hope that you all enjoy conference we will not lose sight of the obvious fact that the only reason we are here, this year and every year is to represent those who sent us here. I know there are some difficulties however above all we must stick together both locally and nationally in these difficult times and to quote Mahatma Gandhi, Unity to be real must stand the severest strain without breaking Go raibh mile maith agaibh. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 31

32 Motions to Conference Motions to Conference REPORT OF THE STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE & M O T I O N S TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012 IN THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL GALWAY ON THURSDAY 26TH & FRIDAY 27TH APRIL 2012 PRISON OFFICERS ASSOCIATION STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT TO CONFERENCE 2012 Under Rule 117 of the Prison Officers Association Constitution, the National Executive Council for the purpose of setting the order of business for the Annual Conference shall appoint a Standing Orders Committee annually. The Standing Orders Committee shall consist of the President (Stephen Delaney), Information Officer (Paul Purcell) and two other National Executive Council Members, Chairperson, (Patrick Jordan) and (Colm McAuley) who shall work together with the General Secretary (John Clinton) and the Deputy General Secretary (Jim Mitchell). STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 1 VENUE: Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway DATES: Thursday 26th & Friday 27th April 2012 THURSDAY 26TH APRIL am Registration am Opening Addresses/Guest Speakers am Tea/Coffee am Conference Business 1.00 pm Lunch 2.00 pm Conference Business 3.15 pm Tea/Coffee 3.30 pm Conference Business 5.00 pm Conference Adjourns FRIDAY 27TH APRIL am Conference Business am Tea/Coffee am Conference Business 1.00 pm Lunch 2.00 pm Conference Business 3.15 pm Tea/Coffee 3.30 pm Conference Business 5.00 pm Conference Concludes Fraternal Greetings from invited guests will be given at various times during conference. Note: The above times are exact times. Delegates are asked to be present at all times as outlined above. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 2 In accordance with Rule 117 (c) of the Prison Officers Association Constitution 2009 version, the following Provisions shall apply for Annual Delegate Conference 26th and 27th April All powers for the conduct of the Annual Delegate Conference are invested in the Chairman / or persons acting in that capacity. 2. The Proposer of a Motion or an Amendment may speak for 3 minutes but not more than three minutes. 3. A Delegate speaking on a Motion or an Amendment must not exceed 3 minutes. 4. The Proposer of a Motion or an Amendment may speak a second time for 3 minutes before a vote is taken but no other Delegate may speak for a second time on the Motion or Amendment. 5. The Chairman may at any time, if he considers the matter sufficiently discussed, call on the Proposer for a reply and when this has been given, a vote must be taken. 6. A Delegate may, with the consent of the Chairman move that the question be put after which, when the Proposer has spoken, a vote must be taken. 7. A Delegate who refuses to abide by a decision of the Chairman or who is found to be in contravention of Standing Orders shall be suspended for the duration of the Conference. 8. All motions for withdrawal or Special Notice Motions should be notified in writing to the Standing Orders Committee, who will advise the Conference on any other matter. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 3 The Standing Orders Committee recommends that following the opening addresses to Annual Delegate Conference on Thursday 26th April 2012 that Sections 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the Headquarters Report the headings from Pay/Allowances to Organisational change be dealt with and that Motions Nos. 1 to 11 be dealt with. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 4 The Standing Orders Committee recommends that Sections 6 to 18 of the Headquarters Report the headings from Criminal Injuries to Healthcare be dealt with at 2.00 pm, Thursday 26th April 2012 and that Motions Nos. 12 to 26 be dealt with. The General Secretary, Deputy General Secretary and the two Assistant General Secretaries will give their Annual reports to Annual Delegate Conference as provide for in the Independent Consultants Report 2009 during this session of conference. Page 32 Prison Officer July 2012

33 Motions to Conference Motions to Conference (continued) STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 5 The Standing Orders Committee recommends that Sections 19 to 25 of the Headquarters Report, the headings from OSG to Catering Provisions be dealt with at 3.30 pm, Thursday 26th April 2012 and that Motion Nos. 27 to 30 be dealt with. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 6 The Standing Orders Committee recommends that Sections 26 and 27 of the Headquarters Report, the headings of Competitions and Union Training and Education be dealt with at am, Friday 27th April STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 7 The Standing Orders Committee recommends that Sections 28 to 31 of the Headquarters Report the Finance Sections be dealt with at am, Friday 27th April 2012 and that Motion No. 31 be dealt with. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 8 The Standing Orders Committee recommends that Sections 32 to 35 of the Headquarters Report the headings from Report of the NEC to General Council be dealt with at 2.00 pm on Friday 27th April 2012 and on the adoption of the Headquarters Report that Motions 32 to 48 be dealt with. PRISON OFFICERS ASSOCIATION MOTIONS TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012 PAY AND ALLOWANCES Motion 1: That the POA engage with IPS in relation to all Acting up Allowances for staff and determine that any existing acting up allowance carrying posts to be filled should have their allowances approved in advance of advertisement by IPS and Department of Justice and are only awaiting the name of successful Officer to receive same. Explanation: At present any Officer Acting up into a position will wait approx. 6-8 weeks (3-4 pay dockets) for the first payment of the allowance followed by the back pay at the next pay docket or pay period after that. If the Allowance is approved before the Officer fills the post it will only take 1 pay period to receive payment of same. CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED Motion 2: That the POA engage with IPS in relation to all Acting up Allowances for staff and determine that any existing acting up allowance carrying posts period be extended from the present 3 month renewal period to 6 months. Explanation: At present any Officer Acting up into a position will wait approx. 6-8 weeks (3-4 pay dockets) of the 12 week approval period for the first payment of the allowance and before the first payment is made will have to apply for the next 3 months period. CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED Motion 3: The POA examines the scenario of why Prison Officers who joined the service after 1995 are on a higher rate of pay than those who joined before 1995 for doing the same job and in doing so giving them a more beneficial entitlement to sick benefit and pensions than those who joined before Explanation: Officer A who joined the service prior to 1995 goes out sick, the first 6 months he is on full pay, the second 6 months, half pay and then on to pension rate. If he is medically unfit to resume work he will have to apply to the Department of Social Protection for Disability Allowance which is a means tested payment and the pension rate work payment and the household income will be assessed as income. Officer B who joined after 1995 goes out sick the first 6 months he is on full pay, second 6 months, half pay and then pension rate. However as Officer B pays an A stamp this will qualify him for Disability Benefit that is payable from the first day of sickness for 2 years. At the end of 2 years if he is medically unfit to resume work he can then apply for Invalidity Pension which is based on stamps worked and is not means tested. Therefore, the household income nor the pension rate payment is not assessed giving Officer B a higher level of income compared to Officer A. If Officer A who joined prior to 1995, was a job sharer their pension is pro rata and when they are eligible for the old age pension if their pension rate is less than the old age pension equivalent their pension will not be increase to the old age pension equivalent. If Officer B who joined after 1995 is a job sharer their pension is also pro rata but as long as they have 52 A stamp contributions paid annually for 10 years they will automatically have an entitlement to the full old age pension along with the pension rate whichever is the greater. In other words if their work pension is less than the old age pension they will be brought up to the old age pension equivalent. CASTLEREA Decision: DEFEATED Motion 4: That A/H payments are spread out evenly over the 26 pay days in the year, and a method of deducting for non attendance as opposed to payment for attendance is employed. Explanation: This would give staff more predictability and control over their finances. It would also reduce the workload on our colleagues in payroll section, Killarney. CASTLEREA Decision: DEFER TO NEC Prison Officer July 2012 Page 33

34 Motions to Conference Motions to Conference (continued) Motion 5: That the Detail in Castlerea be given the same number of allowance position as other prisons. This will mean that anyone working in the Detail will be on an allowance. This will increase the existing number of allowances in Castlerea from currently two or four. The allowances should be upgraded to the appropriate level also. CASTLEREA Decision: CARRIED PENSIONS Motion 6: In light of Garda drivers formally assigned to the ministerial fleet retiring on enhanced pensions (Sunday Independent ) in recognition of all the overtime and unsociable hours they worked, the POA seek an enhancement in pensions for serving Officers and retired Officers who would equally fall into this category. Explanation: For many years current serving Prison Officers and more so many retired members who worked during the late 70s, 80s and 90s worked unequalled levels of overtime and unsocial hours, much of which was against their will. These people are as equally entitled to have their pensions enhances as Garda drivers for providing the same service to the state in much harsher and hostile environments. CASTLEREA Decision: DEFER TO NEC Motion 7: That an adequate tax allowance or credit be given for the additional payment deducted by Prison Officers toward their retirement pension. Prison Officers unlike any other civil servant are required to work additional hours on a compulsory basis. The credit given could be used to offset the additional contribution that Prison Officers can voluntarily make in the last ten years of service towards the widows and orphans scheme. Explanation: Two officers commencing service on the same date, the fist is given zero band additional hours, the second is given 360 additional hours band, the additional payments made by the second officer under the universal social charge and pension related at approximately 50 euro per fortnight would amount to a total contribution over 30 years to euro for the same defined benefit pension. CASTLEREA Decision: CARRIED PFOC Motion 8: That the Prison Officers Association recognise and adapt as policy the task post analysis numbers as the correct manning levels for the Midlands Prison as per the task post analysis draft Explanation: As both management and the Prison Officers Association accept the original SORT allocation for the Midlands Prison is flawed. The post task analysis provides a comprehensive and accurate accounting of posts manned and required by the Official Side to provide full service, thus identifying large and alarming staff shortfalls in manning levels in the Midlands Prison. MIDLANDS Decision: WITHDRAWN Motion 9: That a review of the numbers at the Midlands Prison be carried out by the NEC immediately with a view to ascertaining the number of posts that have been lost since the introduction of the Proposal for Organisational Change in January MIDLANDS Decision: WITHDRAWN Motion 10: That A/H be calculated at 1866 points per hour on Sundays and Bank Holidays to encourage staff to look for premium days. NB: not a pay increase, a points increase. CLOVERHILL Decision: DEFER TO NEC Motion 11: That the Prison Officers Association explores the feasibility of the Additional Hours bands being adjusted. Explanation: Some staff would like to be allocated a lower band and other staff are willing to increase their band. Could the bands be made flexible within the institution to facilitate staff preferences? To be done on a seniority basis. DOCHAS Decision: CARRIED HEALTH AND SAFETY Motion 12: That the Prison Officers Association seek to have a full review of all escort guidelines paying particular attention to the health and safety of staff where prison inpatients have two officers only WHEATFIELD Decision: CARRIED Motion 13: That the Prison Officers Association seek to have the full implementation of the DTLs as per the guidelines which were sent to all Governors from the Irish Prison Service. WHEATFIELD Decision: CARRIED Motion 14: That the risk assessment regarding officer duties be fully adhered to at all times and that every effort is made to ensure that this is done. WHEATFIELD Decision: CARRIED Page 34 Prison Officer July 2012

35 Motions to Conference Motions to Conference (continued) EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME Motion 15: That the POA engage with IPS for the implementation of a wellness program for all prison officers CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED Motion 16: That the POA engage with IPS to provide an updated Alcohol & Drugs policy which will best represent the wants and needs of our members. CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED Motion 17: That the POA engage with IPS to provide an Occupational Health Department. CLOVERHILL Decision: DEFER TO NEC UNIFORM Motion 18: That the union seek to have the uniform belt replaced with a non metallic buckle, i.e. web belt and plastic buckle to aid passage through the screening/search units in the prisons. MOUNTJOY Decision: CARRIED Motion 19: That the uniform fleece be issued every year. Explanation: The quality of the fleece is poor and if washed on a regular basis, it becomes worn out. DOCHAS Decision: CARRIED Motion 20: That the uniform cleaning allowance be revised to incorporate the new uniform issue and to increase the number of uniform trousers for cleaning to 8 per year. Explanation: At present the uniform cleaning allowance allows for the cleaning of 6 trousers per year. DOCHAS Decision: WITHDRAWN HEALTHCARE Motion 21: That the POA strive to get TB and latent TB recognised as an occupational illness for all the members of Cloverhill Prison. CLOVERHILL Decision: DEFER TO NEC Motion 22: Due to the rise in instances of TB in the prison population and the frequent movement of staff and prisoners to and from various prisons, courts, hospitals etc, all staff should be given the opportunity to be tested for TB and Hepatitis on a yearly basis. CASTLEREA Decision: DEFER TO NEC Motion 23: That the Irish Prison Service engages an Occupational Health Nurse with responsibility for all Prison Officers working in Irish prisons. Explanation: At present with the increase of communicable diseases, the spread of TB and the increase of stress in the workplace, our employer the Irish Prison Service has a duty of care under the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act This duty is set out in section 8 of the Act and it clearly outlines the duty imposed on employers to ensure, so far as is practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all his employees by, inter alia, managing and conducting work activities in such a manner as would prevent as far as is reasonably practicable, any improper conduct or behaviour likely to put the safety, health or welfare at work of employees at risk. An Occupational Health Nurse could oversee the introduction of health programme to educate staff on health risks associated with dealing with contagious diseases etc. CLOVERHILL PSEC Decision: CARRIED Motion 24: That the Irish Prison Service set in place Occupational Health Officers with responsibility for the promotion of health and nutrition; and the wellbeing of all Prison Officers. Explanation: By engaging Health Promotional Officers in our prisons, this would encourage staff to lead a healthier lifestyle. There would be a capital outlay for this service, but we feel the money would be well spent and recouped, as studies have shown that a healthier workforce takes far less time off due to illness. Health and Safety are often used by people without putting enough emphasis on health and the biggest factor in health is the human factor. By putting in place programmes to promote health such as screening for issues that lead to absences could have great benefit. This would also help to improve morale which is low due to many factors not least reduced income and a heavier workload due to the current economic climate. CLOVERHILL PSEC Decision: CARRIED Motion 25: That all prisoners committed to our prisons be subject to a comprehensive health screening. Explanation: With the increase in TB and other communicable diseases into our prisons and the ever increasing risk posed to Prison Officers working in our prisons; a comprehensive health screening programme for all prisoners committed to our prisons is the only way to detect any health risks. This would be a proactive approach to health and would eliminate the risk of Prison Officers and their families been subjected to a contagious disease. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 35

36 Motions to Conference Motions to Conference (continued) CLOVERHILL PSEC Decision: DEFER TO NEC Motion 26: That the Prison Officers Association seek that all members of the Prison Officers Association have health screening, paying particular attention to communicable and contagious diseases. WHEATFIELD Decision: WITHDRAWN GYMS Motion 27: That the POA engage with IPS for the provision of Staff designated GYM facilities in all prison campus. CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED CATERING Motion 28: For the POA to ensure that all profits from the staff mess go back into staff facilities. CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED CONSTITUTION Motion 29: Rule 15 Subsection (b) Voting rights of branches (b) A branch with more than thirty Members shall be entitled to two votes for the first thirty Members and one vote for each additional thirty Members This to be amended to (b) A branch with more than thirty Members shall be entitled to two votes for the first thirty Members and one vote for each additional thirty Members. The voting rights should be based on the number of members a branch should have under SORT and not on the number that they actually have. Explanation: Voting rights at Conference can be decided by Irish Prison Service not filling vacancies, which can affect the smaller branches. Decision: WITHDRAWN TRAINING UNIT Motion 30: Amend Rule 66 of the Constitution Rule 66 Each Branch Chairperson shall represent the Branch on the National Executive Council. In the absence of the Branch Chairperson the substitute National Executive Branch Representative shall be the Branch Secretary, and in the absence of both the Branch Chairperson and the Branch Secretary the Branch Treasurer shall be the substitute National Executive Branch Representative. To Each Branch Chairperson shall represent the Branch on the National Executive Council. In the absence of the Branch Chairperson the substitute National Executive Branch Representative shall be the Branch Secretary, and in the absence of both the Branch Chairperson and the Branch Secretary the Branch Treasurer or Vice Chairperson shall be the substitute National Executive Branch Representative. Explanation: The Vice Chairperson plays an active part in decision making on the local branch and should be afforded the opportunity to attend and vote at National Executive Council meetings in the absence of the Chairperson and the Secretary. MOUNTJOY Decision: DEFEATED FINANCE Motion 31: That the POA Group Insurance be reviewed with regard to the stipulation that partners are not covered and it is renegotiated to include partners and failing renegotiation a new company sought. Explanation: At present only a spouse is covered. With a result that unmarried members with partners receive only 2/3 cover for the same premium. An amendment could be made to include declared partners. In the absence of reliable actuarial or statistical data or other relevant underwriting or commercial facts this is discrimination under the Equal Status Act A partner could be declared in a similar manner to the POMAS rule 8 declaration. CLOVERHILL PSEC Decision: CARRIED POLICY Motion 32: That due consideration is given by the NEC with regard to the timing of Annual Conference. Explanation: In 2011 and 2012 the Annual Conference has coincided with the last week of the quarter when most prisons have exhausted their A/H allocation. MIDLANDS Decision: CARRIED Motion 33: For the provision of handheld cameras for all C & R procedures CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED Motion 34: For the provision of In Cell CCTV for all cells where prisoners are on Special Obs. CLOVERHILL Decision: CARRIED Motion 35: That this association engage with the IPS/Department of Justice to ensure that all instances of violence either actual or threatened against any officer of any rank, no longer be dealt with by means of P19 only but also that the governor be obliged to inform the Garda Siochana and have them investigate same with a view to charging the prisoner. Page 36 Prison Officer July 2012

37 Motions to Conference Motions to Conference (continued) Explanation: Members have reached a point where they are in real fear for their safety while on duty and often while off duty, many feel that the powers that be are not giving them the protection they require and deserve while carrying out their duties on behalf of this state. CASTLEREA Decision: CARRIED Motion 36: That this association engage with the IPS/Department of Justice to seek to have the law changed/amended/enforced to ensure that any prisoner convicted of a crime committed while in custody especially those of violence against an officer carry a sentence consecutive to the sentence they are serving at that time. Explanation: There must be a clear message sent out to all persons intent on causing harm and upset to prison personnel that they do so in the knowledge that such acts will not be tolerated and will be met with the full rigors of the law. CASTLEREA Decision: CARRIED Motion 37: That this association expand and develop the group discount arrangement that applies to the DID electrical group to as many businesses as possible included motor and home fuel suppliers perhaps even joining forces with other unions and staff representative bodies to get the best possible deals for our members also a method be employed to ensure that non members are unable to benefit from schemes promoted by and for the members of this association. CASTLEREA Decision: CARRIED Motion 38: With regard to the amount of staff who have retired and the decreasing number of members due to this, a review should take place as to the need of four full time and four part time Officials in union headquarters MOUNTJOY Decision: DEFEATED Motion 39: That the POA adopt a policy where, should an investigation take place involving a member of the POA, a non departmental investigator should only be used, be they either retired or currently serving. Explanation: Where any investigation is to take place involving a member of the POA, non departmental investigators should only be used so as to ensure impartiality and more so to ensure publication of any reports which may have been compiled. PORTLAOISE Decision: CARRIED Motion 40: That all female prisoners be cuffed when leaving the prison (excluding pregnant females). Explanation: Only remand prisoners are being cuffed at the moment. In the interest of the officers health and safety, the staff asks that the Prison Officers Association makes an agreement with the Irish Prison Service that all female prisoners are to be cuffed when going on an escort, including hospital escorts. DOCHAS Decision: DEFER TO NEC Motion 41: Staff to be detailed hospital escorts. Explanation: Currently the Dóchas Centre sends two staff on hospital escorts. Because of this, staff do not get any breaks. On numerous occasions, members of staff have been on a 12 hour shift without any breaks as they cannot leave their colleague on their own with the prisoner. DOCHAS Decision: CARRIED Motion 42: That cameras be placed in all communal areas for prisoners. This to include all recreation areas, catering collection points and dining halls. Explanation: The amount of assaults on staff in these areas have increased because the prisoner know that there are no camera. The staff ask that the Prison Officers Association engages with the Irish Prison Service to ensure that cameras are installed for the protection of staff. DOCHAS Decision: CARRIED Motion 43: That the time for nights on the day be reduced. Explanation: Currently if staff return from an escort before 4:30am they are to report for duty at 8:00am the following morning if due on. If the staff return from an escort at 4:00am they are to report at 8:00am the following morning. This is only a four hour rest period. Under health and safety staff are entitled to an eight hour rest period. The staff asks that the 4:30am cut off time be reduced to 12:00am. DOCHAS Decision: CARRIED Motion 44: That the Prison Officers Association reengages with the 24/7 Alliance in case of collapse of the Croke Park Agreement. Explanation: In the current climate within the Irish economy, it is in the best interests of the POA to strengthen the links within the 24/7 Alliance. This Alliance will give the POA a strong negotiating position in future negotiations. The re-engagement with the 24/7 Alliance would give the POA a stronger and more Prison Officer July 2012 Page 37

38 Motions for Conference Motions to Conference (continued) effective way of protesting and industrial action should the need arise. CLOVERHILL PSEC Decision: DEFER TO NEC Motion 45: That the Prison Officers Association seek to reintroduce advance of payment before officers go on escorts as the travel and subsistence has not been implemented as it was intended. Explanation: Officers on occasion have to wait two months to receive payment. WHEATFIELD Decision: CARRIED Motion 46: That the travel and subsistence system be improved to show an individual date on which the escort was carried out. WHEATFIELD Decision: WITHDRAWN Motion 47: The Prison Officers Association fully investigate the incentivised regime in Wheatfield and ensure that it is carried out as it is supposed to be. WHEATFIELD Decision: CARRIED Motion 48: That the PSEC Midlands staff representation be reviewed with the possibility of representation of PSEC grades in Leinster PSEC being represented by PSEC Dublin Branch. Explanation: The current situation whereby members of staff from Midlands PSEC are currently represented by Midlands Branch needs to be reviewed. Midlands PSEC staff interests are best represented by PSEC Dublin Branch, as to date nearly all issues arising with Midlands staff also concern Dublin staff and are dealt with by the Governor of PSEC. Agreement should be reached with the Midlands Branch prior to transfer of responsibility for PSEC staff to Dublin Branch if approved by conference. PSEC CLOVERHILL Decision: DEFER TO NEC SAMARITANS LISTENER SCHEME Workshop to mark Samaritans Listener Scheme 10 years in Irish Prisons Orla McCaffrey, Samaritans Prison Support Officer, Ireland Volunteers from Samaritans, the charity that provides confidential emotional support, have been visiting Irish prisons on a weekly basis since the early 1990s, and direct phone contact to Samaritans is in place from most prisons. With the support of the Prison Officers Association, the Irish Prison Service and staff, Samaritans introduced Listeners Schemes in Ireland in A Listener Scheme is a peer support scheme where prisoners are selected, trained and supported by Samaritans. They listen in complete confidence to fellow prisoners, who may be experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. Samaritans volunteers meet, select and train prisoners who have expressed an interest in becoming a Listener and who have been cleared by the prison s security team. Since the first Listener scheme was established in Cloverhill in 2002, others have been introduced in Wheatfield (2004), Arbour Hill (2006), Mountjoy (2008), the Training Unit (2010) and Cloverhill (re-launched 2010). Samaritans have engaged with Management with a number of other Irish prisons to discuss the introduction of a Listener Scheme. To mark the 10 th anniversary of the Listener Scheme in Ireland, a joint workshop was delivered at the recent Samaritans Annual Irish Conference, held in Newbridge. ACO Paul Dunne, Mountjoy Prison, a Listener from the Training Unit and Samaritans volunteers hosted the workshop for Samaritans volunteers from the 20 branches throughout Ireland. Feedback on the workshop was exceptionally positive, and provided volunteers with an insight into the positive aspects and challenges of running a Listener Scheme. Speaking after the workshop Mary McMahon, Director for Prison Support for Samaritans, Dublin, said It was great to have a staff representative with us today. We are delighted to acknowledge the support of prison staff over the last 10 years. Without them, the Listener Schemes could just not work. ACO Paul Dunne, who has been involved with the Listener Scheme since its launch in Mountjoy in 2008 added the Listener Scheme has been a great success, and continues to develop, with the support of staff, Samaritans volunteers and of course, the Listeners themselves. Listener Schemes operate in 2 of the 3 prisons in Northern Ireland, in 13 of the 14 prisons in Scotland and in almost every one of the 138 prisons in England and Wales. Samaritans is here for anyone feeling down and depressed or struggling to cope. Our volunteers are available 24/7 to offer confidential support by phone , jo@samaritans.org, or face-to-face. Visit for details of your local branch. From left: Orla McCaffrey, Prison Support Officer, Samaritans Ireland; Mary McMahon, Director for Prison Support, Samaritans Dublin; ACO Paul Dunne, Mountjoy Prison; Sean, Aidan and Carine, Samaritans Prison Support Volunteers Page 38 Prison Officer July 2012

39 Children First Implementing Children First in the Irish Prison Service Following a meeting with Philip Garland (Head of Children First, HSE) and Michael Donnellan, Director General of the Irish Prison Service (IPS) in March 2012, the IPS have committed to implement Children First across the Prisons estate. Children First is National Guidance that promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect. It states what the Irish Prison Service and other agencies need to do to keep children safe, and what we should do as an organisation if we are concerned about a child s safety and welfare. The Guidance ensures that there is no confusion within agencies regarding individual roles or steps to be taken in the identification and management of concerns. The scope of Children First extends beyond reporting to statutory bodies. It emphasises the importance of multidisciplinary, interagency working in the management of concerns about children s safety and welfare. Key to this is the sharing of information between agencies and disciplines in the best interests of children and the need for full co-operation to ensure better outcomes. The IPS and other Government Departments that are in contact with or providing services to children have an overall corporate duty and responsibility to safeguard children by: promoting the general welfare, health, development and safety of children; adopting and consistently applying a safe and clearly defined method of recruiting and selecting staff and volunteers; developing tailored guidance and procedures, in accordance with Children First: National Guidance, for staff and volunteers who may have reasonable grounds for concern about the safety and welfare of children involved with the organisation; identifying a designated person to act as a liaison with outside agencies and a resource person to any staff member or volunteer who has child protection and welfare concerns. The designated liaison person is responsible for reporting allegations or concerns of child abuse to the HSE Children and Family Services or to An Garda Síochána; ensuring that the organisation has clear written procedures on the action to be taken if allegations of abuse against employees/volunteers are made; raising awareness within the organisation about potential risks to children s safety and welfare; developing effective procedures for responding to accidents and complaints. To ensure that these objectives are met, the IPS will be supported and assisted by HSE Children and Family Services to establish an IPS Children First Committee to oversee the effective implementation of Children First. The Committee will be supported by HSE National and Regional leads on Children First and Children First Advice and Information Officers. As the prevention, detection and treatment of child abuse or neglect requires a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, effective management, clarity of responsibility and training of personnel in organisations working with children, the IPS will be meeting with other agencies within the Justice Family to ensure that a consistent approach is taken to implementing the guidance across the Department of Justice and Equality. If you have any suggestions as to how Children First can implemented in your section or area of responsibility we d like to hear from you. For further information on Children First, to make any suggestions, or to obtain an electronic copy of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, please contact: Richard Roche, Irish Prison Service Training and Development Centre at rxroche01@irishprisons.ie or Prison Officer July 2012 Page 39

40 BRANCH NEWS ARBOUR HILL Seán Jack Healy Remembered SEÁN JACK HEALY; a name so hard to write as we can t believe that the legend has left us. Legend because he was such a charismatic person. He touched everyone he met. He was such a good friend and comrade. But not only were his friends and colleagues affected by his passing; prisoners also mourned the passing of Jack: Jack Healy was a legend. Tough but fair. Mr. Healy saved my life by just being there when I was down. Having a smoke and a chat and making me cop on to myself. From time to time in our lives We are blessed by crossing paths with someone special Someone who radiates a real genuine love for us and for life. Seán was a very special person like that. Salt of the earth man who was larger than life; A man who journeyed through life with a heart That was full of goodness, warmth and good humour, Holding on at all times to the values that were close to his heart. Many described Seán as a legend; A character who could light up a room Never putting himself forward to be the Centre of attention But had a charisma that endeared him to many And would place him as the life and soul of any gathering. All in the Prison Service knew Seán Healy as Jack or Jack the Lad, and for a short time after he retired as Jack the Hack (Hackney Taxi). Jack would do anything for anyone and on numerous occasions he looked after staff in their time of need. The staff members that knew Jack all feel an enormous loss. Some female staff members have said: What can we say about Jack? All that can be said would not fit on a single page. The passing of our beloved friend and colleague has stirred many, many happy memories. Jack loved life and lived it to the full. His love of tea and a roll up and dare you wash his mug! We were sure he had shares in Lyons Tea! Jack saw many changes in the prison service; including the introduction of female staff; and Jack was always a true gentleman to us. His integrity, honesty, loyalty and sense of fairness coupled with a genuine capability to lead made him very popular with staff and prisoners. Jack s sisters were always a laugh for us all as we didn t believe him when he talked so lovingly and with such pride. Jack loved his family and this became clear to us over the years as he doted on them all and never missed an opportunity to tell us about them. Beyond the family, old neighbours and friends Will know the goodness of Seán s heart. Always a great person to meet; Positive, refreshing outlook on life and a Capacity to enjoy people and life. The shock that reverberated around the Prison Service when told of Jack s passing was unbelievable. Just like Jack s family, we thought that Jack would be around forever. Jack was like a Dad to a lot of us in the Prison Service. He was held in such high esteem. Jack is a legend and always will be. He will be in our hearts forever. Fishing with Jack was some experience; especially when he was in charge of food four week old stew was his specialty. As Jack would say, Just scrape the hair off! Seagulls wouldn t eat it; fish avoided it; but Jack ate it. Jack was a saviour and would put his life on the line for anyone and did so in the past. Hero to some; Legend to all. We have no doubt that Jack is in Heaven (in charge of the stores). His kindness, camaraderie and his devotion to family and friends was unbelievable and a testament to his love for all of us. Jack will be greatly missed by his friends and family and we all know that Jack s friends were his family too. You were an inspiration to us all; if only we could live life like you did. Jack s funeral was held in Arbour Hill Church. On behalf of everyone that knew Jack, I d like to extend my thanks to Rt. Rev. Mer. Eoin Thynne H.C.F and the alter ladies for the use of the Church of the Sacred Heart, next door to where Jack served most of his 33 year service. Seán Healy joined the Prison Service on the 8th of November He was posted to St. Patricks Institution on the 15th of May 1975 and then transferred to Arbour Hill on the 29th of January The rest is history. Jack retired on the 7th of November Jack s daughter Imelda and his son-in-law Paul wanted to give Jack a good send-off and they did that superbly. It was fitting that Jack had a Guard of Honour at his ceremony. Thanks to Shane Kelly and the lads. Jack was piped into the church by Piper Mick Deehan who done a superb job. The amount of retired staff who attended the ceremony to pay their respects was amazing. Jack was carried into the church by his two sons and a few of his old friends; friends who said that they were honoured to do so. The funeral mass was held by Fr. Ciarán Enright. It was very special with a few blips from Jack. Mick Quinn told a story about Jack and his boat which was Jack through and through. Jack was piped into his final resting place; which seemed fitting at the edge of the Dublin Mountains. Jack was one in a million a true friend, a true Dad and true to himself and his family. Seán Jack Healy our world is worse off without you. We fear for those Angels in Heaven! We can see Ann Clancy Devine; another one of our colleagues who passed away recently; standing at the Pearly Gates and Jack saying Move over Clancy, I m coming in! Jack will never be forgotten. Jack, thank you for everything you did, for everyone. You were so much more than a legend. You were The King. Page 40 Prison Officer July 2012

41 BRANCH NEWS ARBOUR HILL Arbour Hill Delegates at this years Conference BRANCH NEWS CLOVERHILL It s been another tough year for all our members in Cloverhill. There have been many difficult issues to overcome and deal with. None more so than the recent TB outbreak in Cloverhill. This was and still is a very tough and emotive situation for all concerned. As a result, a very large number of staff tested positive for latent TB and then had to go on very strong medication for 6 9 months, the side effects of which cannot be underestimated. As a result the POA commissioned a position paper on TB in the prison system. A draft copy is with branches around the country at present and a final copy should be due for publication shortly. Hopefully lessons will be learned and recommendations in the report will be taken on board. We also have the on-going transformation to contend with and all the difficult decisions that have to be taken around same. This is not easy and we have to move forward, knowing that there is no new staff coming over the horizon. We are moving into new territory for everyone in the prison service as regards incentivised regimes etc... The net result is a lot more pressure on prison officers countrywide to produce more with less and this must be acknowledged by the Government and IPS. On top of all this we have to deal with all the normal on-going pressures of being a prison officer. What with overcrowding, assaults on staff, and the ever increasing number of vexatious prisoner complaints against staff. On the question of assaults, only in recent weeks in Cloverhill, we have had two very serious assaults, one concerning an ACO being savagely attacked and another where a prisoner officer had his face and hands slashed with a blade and was very lucky to avoid life threatening injuries. Financially, we are in a very bad place as we all know. We have taken a serious reduction in take home pay and it must be pointed out that come this September, it will be 4 years since we received a pay increase and with none in sight for the foreseeable future. I would like to thank all our members who have supported the POA over the last year in these very difficult times and it must be noted that trade unions globally are under attack now more than they have been in recent decades. I would like to finish by wishing well to all our colleagues who have moved on and extend a warm welcome to any new staff who have just arrived in Cloverhill. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones over the past year. Vinny O Flynn, Branch Chairman Cloverhill Delegates at this years Conference BRANCH NEWS CASTLEREA Castlerea Delegates at this years Conference Prison Officer July 2012 Page 41

42 BRANCH NEWS CORK CORK PRISON OFFICERS CHOIR The Cork Prison Officer Choir originated in the mid 80 s. But overtime our performances dwindled to only coming together unfortunately for funeral masses of staff members. It was in more unfortunate circumstances of the funeral of fellow choir members Jim Forde and Denis O Callaghan that interest was renewed. David Kelly and Mattie O Connor were instrumental in getting people involved. David s passion for singing and both David and Matt s experience in outside choirs got the ball rolling. We were lucky to secure the professional talent of choir mistress Jackie O Connell. She put us all at ease and within a short period of time broadened our range of songs. Our first mass was in the November 2011 for the deceased members of Cork Prison and all staff relatives. This was a great success for the choir and gave us the encouragement to expand our range. David kept us motivated and we performed at several other masses and concerts. Unfortunately due to David s illness had had to take a step back to director of music, only to have Liam Duncliffe step up to the mark as chairman with the help of Noel O Connor and Eamonn Breen. The high point of the year was the Annual Prison Officer Association Deceased Members and Retired Members Mass in Dublin. Our final mass before we break up for the summer is the retirement mass of Fr. Michael Kidney on June 22nd We would like to thank Cork Prison Officers social club who provided a hamper for our fund raising draw and to all the staff who bought tickets. We would also like to thank the IPS and Ken Fitzgerald (AVC) for sponsorship. Special thanks to Nicola O Donovan for all our printing needs and to all staff who helped in any way. IRISH PRISON SERVICE RUNNING CLUB CORK PRISON IPS running club have had a good run of success in the first few months of the year with team wins in Bord Gais 5k and Jannsen 4 CORK CITY MARATHON 2012 The Irish Prison Service Running Club were well represented in this years event. This year saw the inaugural inter services championships incorporated into the 2012 event, this proved to be a very exciting and well supported competion for its first year with over 20 teams taking part from a wide range of uniform services. The Prison Service were well represented in all events with a relay team of Sean Freeman,Elaine Hurley,Tom Curtis,Steve O Halloran and Sam Hurley-Keaty. Marathon team Eddie Byrne, Samus Cahill, Don Keohane,Shane Mc Carthy, Lorcan Scannell,Finbar Dwyer, Timmy Kelleher. Half Marathon Brendan Mc Grath,Brian Cotter and Dan Collins. Photo IPS team at the UCC 10K in Cork. Mick Dooley, Finbar Dwyer, Don Keohane, Kevin O Connor, Sean Freeman, Eddie Byrne, Seamus Cahill and Brendan McGrath. miles and also some excellent individual performances with Don Keohane dominating his category and Sean Freeman coming away with several prizes in the over 50s. Also Kevin O Connor making a very welcome return to competition after many years on the sideline. Dates of note: Garda 5k road race Marina Cork July 11th European Prison Officers Cross Country Championships Belfast 26th-28th October. Cork Delegates at this years Conference Performance of the day must go to Don Keohane with a personal best time of 2hours 52mins to give him a top 20 finish and 2nd man over 40, a remarkable achievement considering his previous best was 3hours 3mins and 3hours 2mins in Dublin and Clonakilty last year. Likewise Shane Mc Carthy had a brillant run in Cork just outside 3 hours only a few weeks after doing a sub 3 hour marathon in Kildare. Don Keohane Brian Cotter Page 42 Prison Officer July 2012

43 BRANCH NEWS DÓCHAS CENTRE The branch would like to applaud the staff of the Dóchas Centre for their hard work and dedication in the past few months. Like every other prison we have been expected to do double the work load for less pay. It s hard to keep the morale high when so much is expected from such a small workforce. The team work displayed by the staff is well worth recognition! The Dóchas Centre staff are a great example of working together through challenging times. FUNDRAISING FOR LYNSEY CRIBBIN The branch and staff of the Dóchas Centre would like to wish Officer Catherine Cribbin and her family the very best of luck and hope with their fundraising for Lynsey. On 19th January 2012, 21 year old Lynsey Cribbin complained of a headache. Later that day, she suffered a stroke. Following multiple strokes, Lynsey was left with a condition called locked in syndrome. Locked in syndrome is a very rare condition, with only one other person in the country suffering from this condition. Locked in syndrome is like being locked inside your own body; Lynsey knows everything that is going on around her, but she is unable to move or speak. The only way she can communicate is through eye movement (she looks up for yes and down for no). The Cribbin family is raising funds for a computer system that will enable them to communicate with Lynsey. The computer system is designed to recognise Lynsey s eye movements. This will be the only hope for Lynsey to be able to communicate with her family and doctors. We ask for everyone to show their support for our colleague and her family in this very difficult time. There will be on-going fundraising events in the coming months, so please try to support in any way you can. If anyone would like to make a donation to the Lynsey Cribbin trust fund, you can do so with the following details: AIB sort code , account number CONDOLENCES Our deepest sympathy is expressed to all our colleagues who have lost loved ones in recent months. To all of the bereaved families, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May they rest in peace. STUART MORAN Rest in peace our dear friend! The death of Stuart Moran has shocked us all. Those who were lucky enough to know Stuart will know that he was a friendly character who offered his help to anyone who needed it. He will be sadly missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. May he rest in peace. OUR QUEEN OF THE SHEEZERS! Well done Chelsea! Congratulations to Chelsea Kellett for doing so well at the I m a warder, get me out of here fundraiser in aid of St Luke s Hospital. Chelsea had to eat all sorts of treats, some too disgusting to mention. DEPARTURES AND ARRIVALS We would like to welcome the new staff who have been assigned to the Dóchas Centre in recent months- we are glad to see you all! Best of luck to Louise Prendergast on her recent transfer to the Midlands. Enjoy being home! The staff would also like to wish Gerry Baxter and Martin Butler a long and healthy retirement. CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Officer Helen McCarthy and Eithne Leavy on the birth of their beautiful sons. Enjoy the sleepless nights and dirty nappies, girls! Wishing you all a fun-filled summer! Enjoy, Amanda O Donnell, Branch Secretary Dóchas Centre Delegates at this years Conference Prison Officer July 2012 Page 43

44 BRANCH NEWS LIMERICK MULGRAVE GOLF SOCIETY, LIMERICK Mulgrave Golf Society is now in its 25th year with a good mix serving and retired members taking to the fairways. At our recent AGM, Kieran (Stunner) O Donoughue was elected as Captain with Tony Power elected President. We had our 1st outing in Dromoland G.C. in March, where a large attendance enjoyed the well laid out course, the winner on the day was former Kerry inter county footballer John Cronin closely followed by Tony Power, an enjoyable night followed. Our next outings are the away trip to Waterford in April and the eagerly awaited outing to Lahinch Golf Club. We ran a very successful Cheltenham Buster thanks to all who took part and congrats to all the winners. Finally best wishes to all golfers on their endeavours to lose a few shots this year. The Irish Prison Service Adventure Race & Triathlon Association (IPS ARTA) was officially set up in Sept Adventure Races are multi-sport events that generally consist of on and off road running, road and mountain-biking, kayaking and obstacle courses. Other disciplines during a race can include abseiling, target shooting, clay shooting, archery, swimming and various challenges both mental and physical set over the course of the event. Races can last from a few hours to expedition events that last a couple of days. Triathlons vary over distances but always start with a swim followed by a cycle and finish with a run. They vary from the Sprint event (250m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run) to the Ironman event (2500m swim, 160km cycle followed by a full marathon). Duathlons are similar to the triathlon but they initial swim is replaced by a run. In 2011 Officers from all over the Prison Service took part in a huge variety of Adventure races throughout the country, from the Gaelforce series of races in the Northwest, to the South Coast Adventure Race in Skibbereen where Senan O Dywer (Limerick) came fourth overall. Michael O Mahony (PSEC) also took part in the Beast of Ballyhoura, Ireland s longest endurance adventure race. It is a 36-hour non-stop multi-disciplined team event ranging over Counties Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. Other events included the Hellfire races in Wicklow, Sea2Summit in Mayo and the Lough Derg Beast in Tipperary/Clare. Three Officers from the Irish Prison Service who qualified to represent Ireland, took part in the ETU European Duathlon Championships held in Limerick (European City of Sport 2011) in April last year. All three competed over the full distance of 10km run, followed by a 40km cycle, and topped off with a 5km run. Olive O Connor (Limerick), Michael O Mahony (PSEC) and Senan O Dwyer (Limerick) raced alongside competitors from 16 European countries, and all achieved personal bests in the event. The 2012 Beast of Ballyhoura Adventure race also incorporates the 9th Inter-Services Challenge and includes such disciplines as cross-country running, mountain biking, orienteering (including night-navigation), kayaking, abseiling, mountaineering, shooting and archery among other disciplines. Michael O Mahony would like to assemble a Prison Service team to participate. It is a four person mixed team and an excellent challenge to take on. Other Services taking part includes teams from the Irish Defence Forces, the Ambulance Service, and the PSNI. The expected closing date is the end of May. To become involved in the Association or to become and contact in your institution, please get in touch with any of the following: Michael O Mahony (PSEC), Dermot Gill (Castlerea), Eamon Niland (Wheatfield). Olive O Connor (Limerick), Peter Dunne (Portlaoise). Limerick Delegates at this years Conference Page 44 Prison Officer July 2012

45 BRANCH NEWS LIMERICK IRISH PRISON SERVICE Triathlon & Adventure Racing Association Membership Application Form 2012 Please fill out and return to Olive O Connor, Secretary, c/o Limerick Prison. Name: Age: Institution: D.O.B: Tel (Home) MEMBERSHIP PER ANNUM PER CALENDAR YEAR Please find the enclosed fee of for membership of IPS Triathlon & Adventure Racing Association Cheques/Postal Orders should be made payable to IPS Triathlon & Adventure Racing Association. Disclaimer: I wish to join IPS Triathlon & Adventure Racing Association for the calendar year On joining I agree to respect the rights, safety and welfare of all other members of the club. I understand that the activities of the club carry a risk of damage to property, personal injury and in an extreme case, death. I agree to waive the Association and the Irish Prison Service, its officers and its members of any liability in the event of such circumstances occurring. Name (Block Capitals) Signature: Date: BRANCH NEWS LOUGHAN HOUSE LOUGHAN HOUSE SOCIAL CLUB NEWS 2012 The first outing for 2012 took place on Saturday 28th April, sea fishing off the Donegal coast. We took off at 10:30am in the vessel Bundoran Star. The day was cool earlier but warmed up nicely and for the few who were not used to being at sea, it was a great experience. We also visited a deserted island called Inishmurray, which was evacuated in 1958 because of adverse weather. Old ruins of houses and remains of an old church and graveyard are all that s left of a once thriving community. Many fish were caught with Alan Wallace catching the largest: a 7lb ling. Upon arrival at port, we were guests of The Bird s Nest public house, where the owner Brian laid on a barbecue, and we ate some of the fish caught earlier washed down with pints! Later in the evening we socialised in the Allingham hotel. For the rest of 2012 we have arranged many outings but no dates have been set yet: Barbecue to coincide with Ireland euro match Evening racing in Sligo racecourse Kids day out and visit from Santa Staff Christmas outing to coincide with dog racing at Mullingar Charity walk/cycle Surfing in Sligo On Thursday 17th April, Loughan House Social Club said farewell to five stalwarts of the IPS who retired recently. They gave over 150 years of great service to the State and to their colleagues. They will be sadly missed. A huge crowd was in attendance to say goodbye and to wish them a long and happy retirement. Presentations were made to Paddy McCormack, Sean McLoughlin and Liam McDermott who were present on the night but unfortunately Joe Tiernan and Paddy Gallagher couldn t attend. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 45

46 BRANCH NEWS MOUNTJOY Mountjoy Delegates at this years Conference Volunteers Wanted!! Calling on all serving and retired staff, if you are interested in officiating, or in being a general volunteer, at the World Police + Fire Games in Belfast next year (01-10 August), please log on to and click on the Volunteers tab. The information you supply will help determine in what capacity you can contribute the most to the success of the games. There are 10,000 athletes expected to attend the games and at least 3,500 volunteers will be needed to facilitate the smooth running of same. The organising committee are committed to looking after the volunteers at these games, they will be supplying all volunteers with apparel and food, as well as laying on a party at the end of the games, specifically for volunteers. If you d like any further information, please contact your local Sports and Leisure Association representative. Mark Breen (Portlaoise), Padraic Carty (Cloverhill), Denis Keane (Cork), Gavin Hyland (Midlands), Qona Monahan (Castlerea), Paul Dunne (Mountjoy), Olive O Connor (Limerick), Eamon Niland (Wheatfield), Simon Duffy (Loughan House), Phil O Rourke (Training Unit), Brendan Dillon (Shelton Abbey), Nicky Doyle (Arbour Hill), Niall Spelman (St. Patrick s), Padraig Conlon (Castlerea) Page 46 Prison Officer July 2012

47 BRANCH NEWS PORTLAOISE After a long absence the Portlaoise Branch are making a less than triumphant return to the magazine. Errors and omissions accepted, the names may have been changed to protect the innocent! Rumours are abound that several members in their twilight years are making preparations to take the over 35 s football world by storm. With the majority of the normal made up of gentlemen (term used loosely) over 35, the actual over 35 s team should be a formidable force to contend with. We re looking forward to glowing reports of victories in future editions of the magazine. After 32 years on the go St. Peters Golf Society continue to thrive. Three successful outings so far this year at the Heath, Athy and Mount Temple showed that there are a strong number of retired members still playing and winning most of the top prizes. They are looking forward to the upcoming Presidents prize in Esker Hills and Robbie Brothwood s Captains Prize day in Tullamore. After many years absent from the scene St Peters GAA club, one of the most successful inter-firms teams in Leinster with numerous County and Leinster titles and 3 All-Ireland titles returned to the field of play. Managed by Con Dunne with his two selectors Seamus Smith and Rory The Bishop Farrell with Mick Moore of St Josephs fame as Chairperson. Special thanks have to go to Claire Casey as secretary and Sarah Conroy as treasurer. Ex ladies inter county star Claire mithered staff till the club was registered but then failed to put on togs and a jersey and line out when they might have needed her on the field of play a few times. Management are hopeful that former All- Star and International Rules star Tom will make a return, rumour has it that he s after Pat Fitz s place on the team. Another tale being bandied about is that Con is going to get two new bionic knees so he too can make a triumphant return to the field and show younger staff the famed skills he always talks about. St. Fintans field, part of the grounds of the psychiatric hospital has seen an increased footfall in recent months. A group of elite athletes have started circuit training in preparation for To Hell and Back in October. The increase in usage of the field has prompted members of the general public to believe that patients of St. Fintans have taken up PE. This rumour caused a new destination Stradbally Woods to be used. This was not without its own problems as Chris Murphy wasn t sure what all the big black and white sheep were doing in the fields beside them, especially when they were shouting moo at him. Several years ago St Peters Cycling Club was a very successful outfit. A large group of riders were often seen flying about the highways and byways of Laois in preparation for their Tour of Ireland. Sober or... well frankly less sober than you should be on a bike, these men got on their bikes and continued on their epic treks to raise well needed funds for different charities. It all came to an end on the Ventoux in France at the Tommy Simpson monument when the club was wound up and a jersey was left at the summit. With an increase recently of MAMIL s (middle aged men in lycra) seen about the jail it was decided to get the show back on the road. The Ring of Kerry and the Seán Kelly Tour were highlights of last year. Already this year the Lap of Laois, Ossary CC s spin and numerous other outings have been completed. Plans are being drawn up for Mizen to Malin in September and some of the An Post series throughout the year. Keep an eye out for tall and skinny or short and not so skinny men in the red, white and blue of St Peters CC. Welcome to our new staff, very few as they are, they are still most welcome. We hope that the settle in well in Portlaoise. Best wishes to all officers who have retired in the recent past and moved on to pastures greener. We wish you a long and healthy retirement; don t worry as we ll stay working to pay the pensions! Best of luck to any staff members and their partners who may be expecting new editions to their families. We re sure the pitter patter of tiny feet will keep you all quiet for a while. Finally we send condolences to any members and their families who have suffered bereavements in the past months. Also condolences to other branches that have lost serving members. You are in our thoughts at this time. Portlaoise Delegates at this years Conference Prison Officer July 2012 Page 47

48 BRANCH NEWS PSEC ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES Best of luck to Des Hurley in his new venture in the Training Unit and to Tom Cox in his transfer to Shelton Abbey. We would also like to welcome George Ruske on his arrival to PSEC. CONDOLENCES We would like to extend our condolences on behalf of all the members of PSEC to all of our members who s loved ones have passed on. May they rest in peace. CONGRATULATIONS To Liam Mangan on his wedding. GET WELL WISHES Get well wishes go out to all our members who are ill at the moment. Wishing you a speedy recovery and return. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS Article 31 Fair and just working conditions 1. Every worker has the right to working conditions which respect his or her health, safety and dignity. 2. Every worker has the right to limitation of maximum working hours, to daily and weekly rest periods and to an annual period of paid leave. EN Official Journal of the European Union C 83/397 Colleagues, in these days of austerity and recession we see money being reduced for public services on an annual basis. I fear as a result of this our fundamental rights are not being observed. Article 31 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, which was ratified into the Irish Constitution in 2009, has given every worker the right for their health, safety and dignity to be respected at work. As we look around the prisons in the country can we say that our constitutional right is being respected? With the significant overcrowding in the prisons and the shortage of staff, our health and safety is being put on the line on a daily basis. As a result of the staff shortage many issues arise from this. Our members are overstressed, overworked and as a result the health of our members decline, and it also affects our family life. Although our members are overworked and overstressed the government still expect the same level of service. Although our rights are in the Irish Constitution they won t just fall into our hands. This is why it is important to keep reporting health and safety issues. I will finish with a quote from Jim Larkin the written word is the most potent force in our modern world. PSEC Delegates at this years Conference Page 48 Prison Officer July 2012

49 BRANCH NEWS ST. PATRICKS INSPECTOR OF PRISONS The St.Patrick s Branch Committee recently met with the Inspector of Prisons, Mr. Michael O Reilly. A number of issues were raised with the Inspector with a view to improving the environment for both inmates and staff in St.Patrick s. PRISONER COMPLAINTS The issue of prisoner complaints is of serious concern. It is vital that an open and transparent complaints process is in place, however it is the case that inmates are using the current complaint process not to air grievances but as a tool to intimidate and frustrate management and staff. The Prison Officers Association has supported the call for the appointment of an independent Prisons Ombudsman so as to bring some transparency to the process which has been hijacked by those who use the complaints process as a tool to harass dedicated staff whose only wrongdoing is to do their job in a diligent and correct manner. This, of course leads to damage being done to the credibility of a process by the very individuals whom the process is intended to protect, as well as untold damage to the diligent and conscientious officers whose reputations were damaged as a result of unfounded claims. When the current complaints process has been the subject of a thorough and full investigation, it will be apparent that the vast majority will be seen to be frivolous and vexatious. It is of serious concern that members of management have on occasion refused to give Prison Officers details of complaints made against them by prisoners. Compare this to the rights of inmates as per the Prison Rules 2007: (6) The prisoner shall be entitled to be told what is alleged against him or her and to hear or be given an opportunity to examine or have explained to him or her any evidence given or submitted in support of an allegation that he or she committed a breach of prison discipline. (7) The prisoner shall be entitled to reply to any allegation that he or she has committed a breach of prison discipline and, with the consent of the Governor, to call a witness to give evidence. A prisoner shall give notice prior to the commencement of the inquiry of a witness he or she wishes to call to the inquiry. Data Protection Act 1988 & Freedom of Information Acts 1998 & 2001 I would like to point out to all members that you have a statutory right to copies of all records relating to you which are held on computer by the Department. This is relevant to Prison Officers when Department officials use (instead of paper) to send memos to each other in respect of (for example) an appeal against sick leave without pay. Members` sick leave records are also held on computer. When requesting copies of these records, be sure to quote the Data Protection Act 1988 when doing so. This is in addition to your right to have a copy of every document on your personal file, under the Freedom of Information Acts 1998 & These are statutory rights under the law of the land, and nobody should be afraid to use them. You are entitled to see what has been written about you, and by whom. As always, your branch representatives will be happy to assist. Pat Jordan St. Patricks Delegates at this years Conference Prison Officer July 2012 Page 49

50 BRANCH NEWS TRAINING UNIT RETIREMENTS AND TRANSFERS There has been a lot of movement in and out of the Unit in recent times. Seven of our long standing colleagues have decided that enough is enough and packed their bags and moved on to what we hope will be a long, happy and healthy retirement. These include Denis What s for dinner? Robinson, Danny Where s Your Voucher? O Connor, Eamon What s a voucher? O Callaghan, Joe The Gooner Long, Brendan Nesht and Knees Reilly, Mossy Kerry for Sam.. again!!! Curran and Davy Tyrell. We believe that another secret individual may be joining their ranks in the very near future. In fact, it will soon be the case that more people will be at the Rats night out than there will be currently still working in the Unit. Life goes on and these staff have been replaced by a fine body of men and women. We welcome S Mahoney, M Byrne, D Hurley, S Brennan, P Brunton, T Moran and A McCann. Hopefully your stay will become a permanent one. friends and colleagues from the recent and distant past. The retired lads continue to meet up on a monthly basis and they like to remind the rest of us that they really appreciate the fact that we continue to pay for their pensions. If they re not careful they might not live long enough to enjoy them. There are a large number of Training Unit staff due their long service medals and rumour has it that there may be a presentation in the not too distant future. BEREAVEMENTS The staff of the Training Unit would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of our colleague Stuart Moran. His passing has come as a huge shock to everyone. He will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. May he rest in peace. T.U.G.S The Training Unit match-play golf competition kicks off soon. Willy D starts the defence of his title against the Panda, who has been struggling with a long-term injury recently. The draw has throw up a couple of interesting matches and we wait in anticipation to see if Des has the bottle to take on and beat Jean. If Fitzy is looking to take any leave during the summer he may have to consider a few missed putts or erratic drives (nothing new there so). The match-play competition always livens up the slagging in the tea room and this year should be no different. We ll keep you posted. SOCIAL EVENTS There were a good few nights out during February and March with the large number of retirements. It was great to meet up with old Training Unit Delegates at this years Conference BRANCH NEWS SHELTON ABBEY Shelton Abbey Delegates at this years Conference Page 50 Prison Officer July 2012

51 BRANCH NEWS WHEATFIELD CONDOLENCES On the morning of Friday 23rd May, Wheatfield Prison was plunged into a state of deep shock at the news of the untimely death of our friend and colleague John Greally. We would like to offer our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and colleagues here in Wheatfield and from all the other prisons throughout the country that attended the funeral. A special word of thanks goes to the guard of honour whose professionalism made us all proud to be associated with the prison service on the day. We would also like to thank the pipe band and the officers from other prisons who came out to Wheatfield on the day to allow us attend the funeral. NEWS AND UPDATES The committee is continuing on your behalf to monitor the progress or lack of it in relation to the enhanced regime. Once again we want to see the positives for our members arising from both the enhanced regime and also transformation. All we seem to see is a further lack of staff which results in cost savings and nothing else. Threats and assaults on staff are continuing at an alarming rate even though we hear these incidents should be decreasing. children s event and an adult event for the summer very shortly. Please watch the notice board for further information on these two events. The monthly draws are continuing and as we are always saying we need the few quid more than ever. HARPS AND STARS GOLF SOCIETY 1st outing at Millicent Golf Club 1st overall J Touhy winner, Cat 1 winner J Healy, runner up Cat 1 T Flattery. Winner Cat 2 K Allen and runner up Cat 2 D Gray. 2nd outing at Rathcore Golf Club 1st overall J Healy winner, Cat 1 winner C Maher, Cat 1 runner up J Farrell, Cat 2 winner K Allen and runner up Cat 2 T O Shaughnessy ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES The Branch Committee of Wheatfield would like to wish a fond farewell to any staff that recently transferred from Wheatfield. To any new arrivals- oh sorry, there are none. Many thanks for that. SOCIAL CLUB Anyone wishing to join the social club may do so by attaining a deduction form from M Blake or L Howley. We are having our Harold McMillan CAS presenting William Dillon Wheatfield with cheque as winner of Draw ADC April 2012 Wheatfield Delegates at this years Conference Prison Officer July 2012 Page 51

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54 PFOC PFOC Report on the PFOC Agreement May 2011 May 2012 The Organisational Change process in the Irish Prison Service was on the agenda of all meetings of the National Executive Council held since last years Annual Delegate Conference. At the time of this Section of the Headquarters Report going to print there had been twenty-two meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held on a bilateral basis and ten meetings held under the Chairmanship of the Labour Relations Commission. The National Executive Council received comprehensive briefings on all matters relating to the PFOC agreement as follows: On Tuesday 31st May 2011 the National Executive Council was informed that there were three bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the last National Executive Council meeting, which was held on Tuesday 12th April 2011, these meetings were held as follows: Friday 15th April 2011, POA Headquarters Wednesday 27th April 2011, Midlands Prison Tuesday 24th May 2011, Midlands Prison They were also informed that there was also one meeting held at the Labour Relations Commission, which was held on: Thursday 14th April 2011, Tom Johnson House The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of meetings. On Thursday 25th August 2011 the National Executive Council was informed that there were seven bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the National Executive Council meeting, which was held on 31st May 2011, these meetings were held as follows: Wednesday 15th June 2011, POA Headquarters; Wednesday 29th June 2011, PSEC HQ Cloverhill; Monday 11th July 2011, PSEC CCJ; Monday 18th July 2011, POA Headquarters (Dóchas/Midlands) Friday 22nd July 2011, POA Headquarters; Tuesday 26th July 2011, Cloverhill Prison; and Tuesday 23rd August 2011, POA Headquarters. They were also informed that since the National Executive Council meeting held on 31st May 2011, there were two meetings held at the Labour Relations Commission, which was held on: Wednesday 8th June 2011, Tom Johnson House (Catering, Loughan House and the CCJ) Thursday 18th August 2011, Tom Johnson House (Midlands Prison) The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of meetings. On Tuesday 11th October 2011 the National Executive Council was informed that there were two bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the National Executive Council meeting held on Thursday 25th August 2011, these meetings were held as follows: Thursday 22nd September 2011; Midlands Prison Wednesday 28th September 2011; Irish Prison Service, Longford They were also informed that there was one meeting of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held at the Labour Relations Commission under the Chairmanship of Mr J Fallon, this meeting was held as follows: Wednesday 5th October 2011; (Midlands and Portlaoise matters) The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and forthcoming scheduled meetings. They were also informed that there were a number of outstanding manning level issues at Castlerea Prison and difficulties with regard to the proper implementation of DTLs by local Prison Management. There was a ballot for industrial action, which concluded in May 2011 and the National Executive Council discussed these matters. On Thursday 24th November 2011 the National Executive Council was informed that there were four bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the National Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday 11th October 2011, these meetings were held as follows: Thursday 20th October 2011, Dochas Centre and St Patrick s Institution Page 54 Prison Officer July 2012

55 PFOC Report on the PFOC Agreement May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Friday 21st October 2011, Castlerea Prison Friday 18th November 2011, POA Headquarters Tuesday 22nd November 2011, Castlerea Prison They were also informed that there were two meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held at the Labour Relations Commission under the Chairmanship of Mr J Fallon, these meeting were held as follows: Wednesday 19th October 2011, Tom Johnson House (General issues relating to the operation of the PFOC) Wednesday 16th November 2011, Tom Johnson House (Issues relating to Mountjoy, Dochas, Castlerea and AH issues on a National Basis) The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and forthcoming scheduled meetings. On Wednesday 7th December 2011, the National Executive Council was informed that there was one meeting of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the last National Executive Meeting this meeting was held on: Tuesday 29th November 2011, Irish Prison Service, Longford (Dealt with ongoing issues at Castlerea Prison) The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the aforementioned meeting and that the next bilateral meeting was scheduled to take place on Thursday 15th December 2011, at Prison Officers Association, Headquarters. On Wednesday 8th February 2012 the National Executive Council was informed that there were three bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the National Executive Council meeting held on the 7th and 8th December 2011, these meetings were held as follows: Thursday 15th December 2011, POA Headquarters Wednesday 18th January 2012, Wheatfield Prison Wednesday 25th January 2012, POA Headquarters They were informed that there were two meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held at the Labour Relations Commission under the Chairmanship of Mr J Fallon, these meeting were held as follows: Thursday 22nd December 2011, Tom Johnson House (Matters relating to the operation of the PFOC at the Dochas Centre) Wednesday 1st February 2012, Lansdowne House (Matters relating to the Dochas Centre including the transferring in of an ACO and the ACO special projects Cork) The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of meetings. On Thursday 15th March 2012 the National Executive Council was informed that there were two bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the National Executive Council meeting held on the 8th February 2012, these meetings were held as follows: Friday 10th February 2012, Dochas Centre Wednesday 22nd February 2012, Midlands Prison They were informed that there was one meeting of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held at the Labour Relations Commission under the Chairmanship of Mr J Fallon, this meeting was held as follows: Thursday 23rd February 2012, Tom Johnson House (Matters relating to the operation of the PFOC at the Dochas Centre) Thursday 23rd February 2012, Lansdowne House (Matters relating to the Dochas Centre including the transferring in of an ACO from the Dochas Centre to the Training Unit and the ACO special projects Cork were raised) The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of meetings. The National Executive Council meeting held on Thursday 15th March 2012 was the final meeting of National Executive Council prior to this year s Headquarters Report to Annual Delegate Conference going to print. The National Executive Council would receive a final briefing before Annual Delegate Conference on all up to date issues relating to the PFOC at the National Executive Council meeting scheduled to take place on Thursday 19th April Prison Officer July 2012 Page 55

56 PFOC Report on the PFOC Agreement May 2011 May 2012 (continued) LABOUR RELATIONS COMMISSION RULINGS ISSUED BY MR J FALLON, CHAIRPERSON NATIONAL MONITORING AND REVIEW COMMITTEE MAY 2011 MAY 2012 Issued 8th June 2011 CCJ The issue of the impact of the operation of the CCJ in terms of the number of assists required from Prisons has been discussed on a number of occasions at the NMRC. At these meetings the POA has emphasised the need to use PSEC resources in the most effective ways in this regard has identified instances where staffing resources are being used in non SORT posts. The points raised by the POA have been considered by management and management s response at the NMRC meeting of today s date is as follows: 1. IPS will engage with POA re Chief Officer 2 duties in CCJ 2. Officer will not be deployed to non SORT posts in Detail Office and Clerical area 3. Van cleaning/maintenance 7am 9am Officer deployed to escort duties after 9am 4. IPS will engage with POA re van maintenance 5. Leinster PSEC numbers will be brought up to IPS will engage with POA following Court Users Group meeting on 16 June re Video Link 7. SLA with Garda/Court Service. IPS will engage with POA with a view to obtaining their views to develop a position to be brought to discussions with Garda and Courts Service Having regard to the discussions that have taken place on this issue at NMRC, it appears to the Chairperson that there is a need for a detailed engagement at local level, involving the NMRC officers from both sides, on the issues outlined above and also on the broader question of tasks to be carried out and the resources implications. In this regard the SORT Review of PSEC dated June 2010 would appear to be a useful starting point. It is the view of the Chairperson that this engagement should be completed no later than 31st July 2011 and considered by the NMRC shortly afterwards. Issued 8th June 2011 Interim arrangement under the auspices of the LRC in relation to Staff Canteens 1. In order to fully assess the original POA proposal and examine all other options that are open for providing catering services to staff a working group will be established. This group will have representatives from the relevant IPS HQ Directorates, Governors and the POA will be required to examine in detail all options, including identifying all difficulties and opportunities associated with any option. A core concern of this group will be to ensure that all options are robustly examined to ensure that they meet the essential criteria of being cost neutral. The group will report their findings to the Director General in four weeks. 2. Pending the delivery of the findings of the working group the following interim arrangements will be put in place in association with the current Aramark service model; I. A breakfast, consisting of cereal, tea, coffee, bread, etc. will be provided at all sites at weekends. The cost of this service will be incurred by the IPS. If a prison can provide extra to this service (e.g. a cooked breakfast) the additional cost will be incurred by the staff member. II. Hot meals will be provided at weekends, based on the existing menu, on a pre-ordered basis. The IPS will incur the cost of one meal (lunch or tea) for each officer on each weekend day on a pre-ordered basis. Where possible soup and bread will be provided as part of the evening tea meal. III. Meals will be prepared in the prison kitchen and decanted to the staff dining area for serving to staff. IV. The delivery of this service will be provided for by (i) the utilisation of existing resources (ii) by redeployment and (iii) the usage of additional hours on a limited basis during the period of review. Issued 22nd August 2011 Midlands Prison The following was the position as agreed at the meeting of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held on 18 August 2011:- Page 56 Prison Officer July 2012

57 PFOC Report on the PFOC Agreement May 2011 May 2012 (continued) It was agreed that the task analysis for the Midlands Prison will be completed following further local engagements with the assistances of National Officers within an agreed timeframe. In relation to the outstanding disagreement forms, it was recognised that progress has been made and further local engagements will take place with a view to resolving these matters within an agreed timeframe. A national monitoring and review meeting will take place in the Midlands Prison on 7 September 2011 at which point the task analysis and disagreement forms will be finalised. 29th December 2011 Dochas Centre Following engagement between the parties at the LRC on Thursday 22 December 2011, the Irish Prison Service has agreed the following: 1. The Diminishing Task Line document (DTLs) for the Dochas Centre will be finalised to ensure compliance with the relevant health and safety standards and IPS policy and will be made available to the staff side by mid-january. 2. Manpower planning issues will be resolved with the assistance of the Mountjoy detail. The minimum level to trigger assistance will be specified by mid- January. 3. The routine practice of escorting prisoners to bus or rail stations will cease. Public transport will be used in exceptional circumstances. 5. The IPS will explore all available options to support the supervisory staff numbers in the Dochas Centre, including the possibility to experiential training for Clerks from Mountjoy and revert back by mid-january. 5. The IPS will ensure that there are 2 staff in each yard and will endeavour to ensure that there at 2 staff in Health Care. 6. The NMRC will meet gain in mid-january to review the position. 6th February 2012 The following issues were discussed at the National Monitoring and Review Committee Meeting on 1 February 2012: Dochas Centre POA concerns in regard to a number of issues at the Dochas Centre were discussed at a meeting of the NMRC on 22 December 2011 and commitments were given as to how the issues involved would be addressed. At the meeting on 1 February the IPS provided an update on the position. The POA expressed its concern about the lack of progress since December. The IPS undertook to meet the POA bilaterally on Friday 10th Feb and provide final copies of DTLs, including the point where alternative unlock will be considered. The IPS also said that Risk Assessments would be completed by that date. An undertaking was also given that more management resources (ACO level or equivalent) would be put in place by middle of next quarter. It was agreed that the NMRC would keep the situation under review. Special Projects Officer Cork Having heard the position outlined by the POA the IPS undertook to consider the matter further and revert with a response at the next NMRC meeting on 23 February. Annualised Hours Band The POA outlined the case for an agreed interim arrangement on annualised hours which would afford more flexibility and sought a response from the IPS as to wheter they were open to an engagement to pursue this issue. The IPS undertook to consider the points made by the POA in favour of such an arrangement and to respond at the NMRC meeting on 23 February. 6th February 2012 Facilitation: IPS/POA Transfer of an ACO from Dochas to the Training Unit At a facilitation meeting held on 1 February the POA made a detailed submission outlining its position in regard to the above issue. The meeting was adjourned to Thursday 23 February to enable the IPS to consider the submission and proposals made by the POA for the resolution of the matter. The IPS undertook to revert with its response at the meeting on 23 February. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 57

58 Golf GOLF NEWS European Challenge Cup 2012 The Irish Prison Officers Golf Association recently competed in the European Challenge Cup at the Heritage and the K Club. The event is played for by Police Divisions from Europe, the UK and Ireland. This year for the first time, the Irish Prison Officers Golf Association were invited to participate. Twenty-five teams of eight golfers which included teams from the host clubs and the Midlands Prison who were invited in as a late replacement for one of the UK teams competed on day one at the Heritage Golf Club. Teams were allocated to groups of five with each golfer playing in a fourball. A unique scoring format had been devised by the organising committee where by each fourball played in singles stableford for 5pts, 3pts, 2pts and 1pt plus bonus points for front and back 9 s with a 7pts maximum that each golfer could contribute to his teams overall score. The top two teams from each group qualified to play in the final on day two at the Ryder Cup course at the K Club with the remaining teams competing in the shield event at the Smurfit Course. Both Prison teams made it through to the final on day two. Torrential rain treatened to halt play on day two but after a two hour delay the organisers decided to go ahead with the competition. The IPO team put in a great effort but came up short finishing in third place overall with the Midlands team finishing further down the field. It must be said that the constant rain did somewhat spoil the occasion for all golfers and the fact that the play was completed at all was remarkable. In the indivudal competition Martin Conroy form Castlerea Prison finished in second place with 37pts on day one. Brian Crawford also from Castlerea finished in second place with 39 pts on day two at the K Club. Finally we would like to thank the organising committee and especially Seamus Muldowney for the invitation to play in the event and hopefully we will receive another invitation into next years event. Denis Keane IPOGA. Front from left Denis Keane Cork, Brian Crawford Castlerea, Paul Keogh Castlerea, Ciaran Maher Wheatfield, Back From left Dan Cooper Cork, Jody Cunningham Wheatfield, Martin Conroy Castlerea, and Tony Byrne Limerick Page 58 Prison Officer July 2012

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60 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 There were ten meetings of the National Executive Council held since last year s Annual Delegate Conference. These meetings were held as follows: 31st May 2011, 16th June 2011, 25th August 2011, 7th September 2011, 11th October 2011, 24th November 2011, 7th and 8th December th February 2012, 15th March 2012 and 19th April Pay and Allowances in the normal course of events is the major item on the Agenda of the Headquarters Report at meetings of the National Executive Council. Therefore as the major item pay and allowances is primarily dealt with before any of the many other items placed on the agenda for meetings of the National Executive Council. As matters regarding Pay and Allowances are outlined in the Pay section of this magazine they will not form part of the Report on meetings of the National Executive Council outlined in this Section. There is a summary outlined below of the many other issues dealt with at meetings of the National Executive Council held from May 2011 May MEETING HELD 31ST MAY 2011 Meeting with the Minister The National Executive Council was informed that the Union met with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence on Monday 18th April There were four items placed on the agenda for this meeting: The ever increasing prison population and associated difficulties Public Service Agreement (Transformation Agenda) Internal promotion procedures New Code of Discipline for Prison Officers and fair procedures regarding vexatious prisoner complaints The National Executive Council was briefed on this meeting, which lasted for approximately one and a half hours, they were informed of the views and concerns put to the Minister by the Union regarding the aforementioned matters. PFOC The National Executive Council was informed that there were three bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee and one meeting held at the Labour Relations Commission since the National Executive Council last met on 12th April The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of meetings. Staff Canteens The National Executive Council was informed that since Annual Delegate Conference, there have been four meetings with the Official Side on the issue of the provision of canteen facilities for staff and that a proposal was forwarded to the Irish Prison Service, encapsulating the AIS Work/Training option. This proposal was also forwarded to the Minister. A full briefing on all developments to date was given at this meeting. Healthcare- Outbreak of Tuberculosis at a Number of Prisons The National Executive Council was informed that the Union was in contact with the Department of Public Health in relation to our concerns arising from the outbreak of tuberculosis at a number of prisons. There was correspondence contained in the executive file regarding this matter and the National Executive Council was briefed regarding the up to date position. Meeting on Disruptive Prisoners The National Executive Council was informed that there was a meeting held with Prisons Operations on Wednesday 27th April 2011, at Wheatfield Prison in respect of the issue of dealing with disruptive prisoners. At this meeting the Official side gave an undertaking to the Union, to forward on to us documentation outlining the procedures they have in place for dealing with disruptive prisoners. As the Union had not yet received the aforementioned information, the National Executive Council was informed that the Union would continue to pursue the Official Side regarding this matter. Prison Officers Association Website The National Executive Council was informed that as a result of the Motions 12 and 13 from Annual Delegate Conference becoming Prison Officers Page 60 Prison Officer July 2012

61 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Association policy, LRC rulings, relevant circulars, Payment of Wages Act, Organisational of Working Time Act, Prisons Act 2007 and 2007 Prison Rules are all now included in the members section of the website. Health and Safety The National Executive Council was informed that a number of Health and Safety concerns were raised by the Union with the Irish Prison Service relating to: States Claims Agency Report States Claims Agency visits to the Prisons Lone Working Safety Standard DTL s Risk Assessments They were also informed that The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is carrying out a survey of employees regarding Stress, Bullying and Violence in the work place. All unions have been asked to circulate a questionnaire so that the findings can be produced at the ICTU Biennial Conference in July. The questionnaire was contained in the executive file and all completed questionnaires are to be returned to Union Headquarters by 25th June National Election The National Executive Council was informed that the Official Side informed the Union, that the Department of Finance had sanctioned the secondment of Karl Dalton to the Prison Officers Association. As a result the National Executive Council directed that a National Election be held to fill the vacant position of vice president. AOB Mountjoy raised the issue of the Chief 1 and Chief 2 panels Cork raised matters relating to the occupational first aid course MEETING HELD 16TH JUNE 2011 This meeting was held in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise where the full National Executive Council attended to meet with Clerk 1 and Clerk 2 grades in relation to matters regarding the redeployment of Clerical grades arising from the Public Service Agreement MEETING HELD 25TH AUGUST 2011 National Election for the vacant position of Vice President While this meeting was taking place the Returning Officer was counting the result of the election for the vacant position of Vice President. The Returning Officer declared the ballot void and advised a new election take place. The NEC decided to run a new election. PFOC The National Executive Council was informed that there were seven bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee and two meetings held at the Labour Relations Commission since the National Executive Council last met on 31st May The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and informed of the forthcoming schedule of meetings. HCCC Programme The National Executive Council was informed that there were a number of RPOs that failed this course on their second attempt. Following strong representations from the Union these members would now get one final attempt. Correspondence on this matter was issued in the executive file. Ballot for Industrial Action - Midlands Prison The National Executive Council was informed that correspondence was forwarded to Headquarters on 12th July 2011 in respect of an emergency branch meeting that was held on 11th July This correspondence and subsequent correspondence dated 16th July 2011 from the local Branch Committee received responses from Headquarters. Further correspondence from the local branch was received at Headquarters on 18th July 2011 dated 5th August Copies of the above correspondence were issued in the executive contained file. The National Executive Council was also informed that there was a bilateral meeting held with the Official Side on 18th July 2011 regarding the list of issues forwarded to Headquarters by the Branch on 16th July National Officers visited the Branch on 2nd August 2011 and there was a meeting of the National Monitoring and Review Committee at the Prison Officer July 2012 Page 61

62 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Labour Relations Commission regarding the Midlands Prison held on 18th July A consensus document emerged from the LRC meeting, which was issued contained in the executive file. A further National Monitoring and Review meeting was scheduled to take place on 7th September 2011 at the Midlands Prison. Following an application made by the Midlands Branch, the National Executive Council granted sanction for a one-hour work stoppage on 8th September Catering The National Executive Council was updated on the working group established to address issues relating to the provision of catering for staff working in the Irish Prison Service. They were informed that a series of meetings took place and a report was compiled outlining the recommendations that came forward from the working group. A full briefing was given on this issue at this meeting. Thornton Hall The National Executive Council was informed that on Thursday 28th July 2011 the Government announced its future plans for Prison developments at Thornton Hall, Dublin and Kilworth, Cork. The press statement issued by the Government on Thornton Hall and the report submitted by the Union to the Review Group set up by Government in respect of the development at Thornton Hall were issued in the executive file. Uniform The National Executive Council was informed that there are a number of issues arising from the last meeting of the Uniform sub-committee to be addressed at this meeting including the matter of numbers for staff members, which was previously discussed. Temporary Transfers Re EAP The National Executive Council was reminded that the Union had previously agreed a temporary transfer arrangement with the Official Side dating back to August There were a number of issues that had recently arisen in respect of this matter, which needed to be addressed by the National Executive Council. The National Executive Council directed that temporary transfer arrangements as previously agreed with the Official Side should be maintained. OSG - K9 Unit The National Executive Council was informed that there were a number of matters that had arisen since the last National Executive Council meeting on matters relating to the OSG and the K9 Unit. These matters included searching as a result of the issuing of steel cap boots, home kennelling and a letter from a member of the Arbour Hill branch on the use of the process termed snaking, which is used during competitions in the Civil Service. Health & Safety Documentation was issued in the executive file regarding a number of health and safety matters: Correspondence on DTLs to Governors Lone working risk assessment Correspondence from the Health and Safety Authority to Governors Finance/Legal Issues The National Executive Council was briefed on a number of financial issues at this meeting and legal matters relating to three outstanding legal cases: AOB Portlaoise raised on-going difficulties with management at Portlaoise Prison and two incidents involving the perceived misuse of camera technology in relation to two members MEETING HELD 7TH SEPTEMBER 2011 This National Executive Council meeting was held at short notice in relation to proposed industrial action at the Midlands Prison scheduled for 8th September 2010, so that the National Executive Council could be briefed on all developments that had taken place since the National Executive Council gave sanction for the taking of industrial action on 25th August MEETING HELD 11TH OCTOBER 2011 National Election for the vacant position of Vice President The Returning Officer counted the result of the election while the National Executive Council meeting was taking place when the count concluded Page 62 Prison Officer July 2012

63 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 (continued) the Returning Officer announced the result to the National Executive Council. Declan Mullally, Portlaoise Branch was elected to the position of Vice President. Departmental Council The National Executive Council was informed that there was a meeting of the Justice Departmental Council held on Thursday 6th October A copy of the Agenda for this meeting was issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council was informed that due to the fact there was a number of outstanding issues on the Justice Departmental Council Agenda for a considerable time period the Prison Officers Association have lodged a claim seeking the establishment of a working group (Sub Committee) of the Departmental Council to deal with a significant number of C&A matters. PFOC The National Executive Council was informed that there were two bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee and one meetings held at the Labour Relations Commission since the National Executive Council last met on Thursday 25th August The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and forthcoming scheduled meetings. They were also informed that there were a number of outstanding manning level issues at Castlerea Prison and difficulties with regard to the proper implementation of DTLs by local Prison Management. There was a ballot for industrial action, which concluded in May 2011 and the National Executive Council discussed these matters. Uniform The National Executive Council was updated on the issue of rank markings for grades represented by the Prison Officers Association. Health and Safety The National Executive Council was issued with documentation in the National Executive Council file on the following matters: DTLs Health and Safety reps (Beladd) Chief s/aco detail offices re DTL Catering The National Executive Council was informed of the outcome of the working group established to address issues relating to the provision of catering for staff working in the Irish Prison Service. Following a series of meetings a report was compiled outlining the recommendations that came forward from the working group. This report was previously issued to the National Executive Council. The National Executive Council was informed that Option two of the working group s recommendation was the option, which was accepted by the Director General. The working group s full report was reissued in the National Executive Council file and a full briefing was given on related issues. Finance The National Executive Council was briefed on a number of financial issues and relevant correspondence was issued in the National Executive Council file. AOB Cork: Raised matters relating to Agency Nursing Cloverhill: Raised matters relating to exploring avenues to protect staff carrying out C&R procedures, Reviewing TB procedures and protocols, Irish Prison Service Personnel interviewing Prison Staff and the investigation of prisoner s complaints leading to Code of Discipline complaints against staff. MEETING HELD 24TH NOVEMBER 2011 Clerical Positions at the Prison Service Training and Development Centre The National Executive Council was informed that the Irish Prison Service was seeking agreement to advertise for Clerical positions in the Prison Service Training and Development Centre to facilitate the introduction and training of the new Prison Administration and Support Grade. These positions are expected to last approximately twelve to eighteen months. The National Executive Council directed that the Union seek agreement for the filling of these positions. PFOC The National Executive Council was informed that there were four bilateral meetings of the National Prison Officer July 2012 Page 63

64 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Monitoring and Review Committee and two meetings held at the Labour Relations Commission since the National Executive Council last met on Tuesday 11th October The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and forthcoming scheduled meetings. Standardisation of Annual Leave across the Public Service The National Executive Council was informed that the Union recently received correspondence through the Public Service Committee of the ICTU in respect of the Official Sides proposals on the standardization of Annual leave across the Public Service. This correspondence was issued in the National Executive Council file and a briefing was given on this matter. Tuberculosis in the Irish Prison Service The National Executive Council was informed that due to recent events at Cloverhill/Midlands Prison and the concerns of staff in general regarding Tuberculosis the Union made contact with Mr John H Shanahan, former Assistant Commissioner for Capital Planning and Development, New York City Department of Corrections. During his time in this position Mr Shanahan built up considerable expertise in relation to protocols based on best practise for dealing with issues relating to tuberculosis in the Prison Environment. Following a discussion on this issue the National Executive Council directed that further contact be made with Mr Shanahan to explore if he would be willing to assist the Union in the drafting of a position paper on protocols based on best practice for dealing with issues relating to tuberculosis in the Prison Environment. Sick Leave The National Executive Council was informed that in recent weeks certain issues regarding sick leave had arisen including: Intervention Programmes under EAP- new document USLs (8th)- correspondence Force Majeure leave- correspondence Increments USL after leave- letter The relevant documents were issued in the National Executive Council file and the aforementioned matters were discussed at this meeting. Canteens The National Executive Council was informed that two meetings of the Catering Steering Committee had taken place since the last National Executive Council meeting and were briefed on the outcome of these meetings. Prison Building Programme The National Executive Council was informed that following representations from the Union to the Official Side, Prison Management had agreed to meet regularly with the Union in respect of matters relating to Prison building projects. Finance The National Executive Council was briefed on a number of financial issues and relevant correspondence was issued in the National Executive Council file. AOB Midlands: Raised proposals relating to new work practises in the laundry at the Midlands Prison. Wheatfield/Midlands: Raised correspondence forwarded from members in respect of their position on current promotion panels and the redeployment of clerical grades. MEETINGS HELD 7TH AND 8TH DECEMBER 2011 PFOC The National Executive Council was informed that there was one meeting of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the last National Executive Meeting this meeting was held on which dealt with on-going issues at Castlerea Prison. The National Executive Council was briefed regarding this meeting and the forthcoming scheduled meetings. Departmental Council The National Executive Council was informed that the last meeting of the Justice Departmental Council was held on 1st December 2011, a copy of the agenda of this meeting was issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council was updated regarding the items on the agenda and Page 64 Prison Officer July 2012

65 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 (continued) informed of other developments that arose at the Departmental Council meeting. Staff Canteens The National Executive Council was informed that there was further engagement with the Official Side, on matters relating to the Staff Canteens and the withdrawal from the present contract by Aramark. They were also informed that contact has also been made for immediate reengagement with the Labour Relations Commission on this matter. Data Protection The National Executive Council discussed in detail the complaint that the Union submitted to the Data Commissioner in respect of the use of data by Prison management in the Irish prison Service. Uniform The National Executive Council was updated on matters relating to the new epaulettes with identification numbers and new rank markings. Finance The National Executive Council was briefed on a number of financial issues and relevant correspondence was issued in the National Executive Council file. AOB Portlaoise: Raised the current difficulties being encountered arising from staff shortages. Cork: Raised security issues for staff attending Court as witnesses. MEETING HELD 8TH FEBRUARY 2012 Public Service Pensions The National Executive Council was informed that on Wednesday 11th January 2012, the Union met with representatives of SIPTU, RACO and AGSI at Prison Officers Association Headquarters regarding the proposed new single pension scheme. This meeting was arranged by the Prison Officers Association in order for the fast accrual groups to meet with Pension experts from Cornmarket in order to obtain their expert opinion on how the proposed new single scheme would affect groups that are currently entitled to fast accrual for pension purposes. Further advices were received from Cornmarket on Friday 3rd February 2012, which the Prison Officers Association forwarded on to the other fast accrual groups. The National Executive Council was informed that the Union was arranging for the fast accrual groups to meet with Officials at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in respect of issues relating to the prosed new scheme and the calculating of future pensions for new entrants. Force Majeure Leave The National Executive Council was informed that the Irish Prison Service had issued a significant number of refusals of Force Majeure applications citing noncompliance with various circulars. They were informed that the Union sought a meeting with the Irish Prison Service and that we had spoken to our legal advisor for an opinion on this matter. PFOC The National Executive Council was informed that there were three bi-lateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held since the last National Executive Council meeting and two meeting of the National Monitoring and Review Committee held at the Labour Relations Commission under the Chairman Mr J Fallon. The National Executive Council was briefed regarding these meetings and the forthcoming scheduled meetings. Departmental Council The National Executive Council was informed that the last meeting of the Justice Departmental Council was held on Thursday 2nd February 2012, a copy of the agenda was issued in the National Executive Council file. The National Executive Council was briefed in respect of the updated position regarding the items on the agenda and other developments that arose at the Departmental Council meeting. Midlands Prison The National Executive Council was informed that the Midlands Branch forwarded a request to Headquarters on Monday 6th February 2012, seeking sanction for the taking of Industrial Action at the Midlands Prison. This matter was discussed in detail at this meeting having regard for the provisions of the Public Service Agreement Prison Officer July 2012 Page 65

66 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 (continued) Observer Status at NEC meetings The National Executive Council discussed observer status at meetings of the National Executive Council which is provided for in accordance with Rule 58 of the POA Constitution, 2009 Version. There was also a policy motion on this matter passed previously at Annual Delegate Conference. This issue was discussed at this meeting as there appeared to be confusion in the Branches regarding this matter verified by the ever increasing volume of applications for observers at the National Executive Council meetings being received at Headquarters. Staff Canteens The National Executive Council was informed that there have been significant developments in this area since the last National Executive Council meeting. The current mode of canteen provision is to totally change to a work/training model, in line with policy set the last year s Annual Delegate Conference. This is to commence when the provider of the present model finishes. There has been substantial engagement with the Irish Prison Service in the recent months on this matter. Health & Safety The National Executive Council discussed a number of health and safety issues at this meeting, with particular attention being paid to DTLs. Tuberculosis The National Executive Council was updated on work being carried out on behalf of the Union by Mr John H Shanahan, former Assistant Commissioner for Capital Planning and Development, New York City Department of Corrections, whom had agreed to assist the Union in the drafting of a position paper on protocols based on best practice for dealing with issues relating to tuberculosis in the Prison Environment. He had hoped to conclude his work on this project for the Union before Christmas however this work had taken longer than expected. The National Executive Council was also informed that the Union was invited to nominate a representative to participate on a working group to look at issues of developing a Protocol or Standing Operational Procedures for the management of prisoners infected with TB. Uniform The National Executive Council was informed that there was a meeting was held on 13th January 2012, in relation to a review of the Uniform in general and about the issue of the rank markings. Magazine The National Executive Council was informed that a number of National Officers recently met with Mr W Young, Public Relations Consultant with a view to improving information in general to the membership including making improvements to the Magazine. Work has commenced in this regard and the National Executive Council would be updated on all developments. Finance The National Executive Council was briefed on a number of financial issues at this meeting. AOB Cloverhill: Raised the issues of Codes of Discipline and Acting up Allowances. MEETING HELD 15TH MARCH 2012 Force Majeure Leave The National Executive Council was informed that there was a meeting with the Irish Prison Service on Thursday 23rd February 2012, in relation to staff availing of Force Majeure leave and arising from communications received following that meeting a circular issued to all branches. A full briefing was given at this meeting. Public Service Pensions The National Executive Council was informed that on Monday 20th February 2012, the Prison Officers Association accompanied by representatives of the other fast accrual groups met with Officials from DPER. This meeting was arranged by the Prison Officers Association in order for the fast accrual groups to be able to express our concerns in respect of how fast accrual pensions would be calculated under the new single pension scheme. They were also informed that we were part of the ICTU Public Services Committee group that met with the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on Wednesday 22nd February This Page 66 Prison Officer July 2012

67 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 National Executive Council Meetings May 2011 May 2012 (continued) meeting presented us with the opportunity to put forward the concerns that we had previously expressed to DPER and we followed up on this meeting by writing to all members of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform enclosing advices that we received from Cornmarket and that we offered to meet with all members of the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform to explain the implications of the new single scheme for our future members. PFOC The National Executive Council was informed that there were two bilateral meetings of the National Monitoring and Review Committee and one meeting held at the Labour Relations Commission since the National Executive Council last met on Wednesday 8th February The National Executive Council was briefed regarding the above meetings and forthcoming scheduled meetings. Catering The National Executive Council was informed that there was one further meeting of the working group held on Friday 24th February There was a meeting in Beladd House with representatives of the Mess Committees on Wednesday 7th March 2012 and a meeting with the Director General, Michael Donnellan, on Monday 12th March 2012, on the issue of costing. The National Executive Council was updated on all developments. Health and Safety The National Executive Council was informed that there were two meetings recently held dealing specifically with DTL s, Risk Assessments and alternative unlock procedures and that two presentation meetings were held with representatives of the detail offices from each Prison specifically dealing with DTL s, Risk Assessments and alternative unlock procedures. They were updated on these meeting and relevant correspondence was issued in the executive file. Gymnasiums/Regimes The National Executive Council was informed that a meeting was held on 14th March 2012 with the Irish Prison Service Regimes Directorate regarding the draft notices circulated by local management, which concerned the future provision of PE services within the prisons. They were updated on this meeting. Magazine/Website The National Executive Council was informed that there was a meeting of the Sub Committee of the National Executive Council on 2nd March 2012 and were briefed regarding this meeting. Annual Mass The National Executive Council was informed that the Annual Mass for deceased members will take place on Thursday 19th April 2012 at 8.15pm in St. Joseph s Church, Berkeley Road, Phibsboro, Dublin 7. Prison Buildings The National Executive Council was informed that a meeting was held on the 8th March 2012, with the Irish Prison Service Estates Directorate regarding current and future building projects. They were updated regarding this meeting. Finance The National Executive Council was briefed on a number of financial issues at this meeting including this year s Annual Accounts and matters relating to Annual Delegate Conference. AOB Mountjoy: Sent in a query with regard to concerns expressed by members that were directed to commit Prisoners into Prison without the necessary warrants. Legal Advice was received on this issue and correspondence sent to the Irish Prison Service which was issued in the executive file. Prison Officer July 2012 Page 67

68 Public Service Friendly Society PUBLIC SERVICE FRIENDLY SOCIETY launches its 84th Annual Report and introduces a Low-cost Annual Multi trip Travel Insurance Policy The Public Service Friendly Society launched its 84th Annual Report. It shows the continuing need for such a support service among staff in the Civil & Public Service. The Society provides a confidential, independent service of financial advice and support to over 11,000 members. There are many members who have been contributing to the Society for many years who may not be aware of the range of services and supports that the Society offers. Check out our new website for details. Applications for financial grants were received from over 750 members. Over 90% of applicants were successful, said Declan O Brien, the Executive Director, and a large proportion of the others were helped by way of financial advice or other resources. For the first time in its history, grant aid and interestfree loans exceeded 1 Million mark. FAMILY/HEALTH PROBLEMS We receive and respond to calls for assistance in a wide range of circumstances, said Declan, but a recent analysis shows that family and health concerns were the principal areas of need in the last year. Family difficulties/low Income 59% Health concerns 21% Education 17% Bereavement 3% VALUE FOR MONEY We have over 11,000 members at present I would encourage everyone to join the Society, Declan O Brien urged. Membership costs only 25c per 100. Payment is by way of a deduction from your salary. Someone earning 30,000 per annum only pays 1.44 per week, - 40,000 per annum only 2.00 per week. To qualify for assistance, a person must be a member for 13 weeks before submitting a Grant Application. BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Cash Grants Non-Repayable or Repayable but interest free Education Grants Financial advice/help in dealing with Banks, Building Societies, Credit Unions etc. Financial support for essential Legal Services Funeral Grant (for those in need) when members, spouses and/or dependants die Low-cost Group Specified Illness Insurance Cover Plan **** Low-cost Multi-Trip Annual Travel Insurance Cover ( Support for retired members HOW DO I JOIN Membership Application forms are available from the Society, your Employee Assistance Officer or from our website Retired members can continue their membership or can join as a retired member, with a deduction at source facility available from the Paymaster General. As a member of the public service friendly society you can join our low cost, tax-free benefits of exclusive illness plan You can choose from three levels of benefit available under the Plan. Option 1: Pays you 32,000 tax-free lump sum for only 3.38 per week. For you and your spouse/partner, it costs only 6.76 per week. Children (aged 1-21) automatically covered for 13,000 - FREE Option 2: Pays you 40,000 tax-free lump sum for only 4.12 per week. For you and your spouse/partner, it costs only 8.24 per week. Children (aged 1-21) automatically covered for 15,000 - FREE Option 3: Pays you 50,000 tax-free lump sum for only 5.15 per week. For you and your spouse/partner, it costs only per week. Children (aged 1-21) automatically covered for 20,000 FREE Some Terms and Conditions Apply THE PUBLIC SERVICE FRIENDLY SOCIETY, 1st Floor West, The Plaza Centre, Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Phone: (New number) Freephone: info@psfs.ie Website: Page 68 Prison Officer July 2012

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