Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I gather that he would not do so either. Anyone who believes that there is another forum beyond the Civil Service Arbitration Board where something extra may be gained is not living in the real world. We cannot compromise the integrity of the whole industrial relations process, which has served us so well and must continue to serve our public services in future. As the Deputy knows, the arbitration process is the end of the line.

The Minister has never made a secret of the consequences of failure to reach an agreement, and he was left with no option but to proceed immediately with the agenda approved by the Government to ensure that the Prison Service is run as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. That agenda is now in place and steps to implement it are under way.

Both the Curragh and Fort Mitchel places of detention are closed and will not reopen.

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