Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I will clarify one thing. Someone should concern themselves with the prisoners throughout the country who are extremely concerned about the proposals and about what will arise if an agreement is not reached between the Minister and the Prison Officers Association. Both parties must come together before the Labour Relations Commission to resolve this issue without confrontation. Irrespective of the cost of prison officers' pay, we must remember that prison officers have been held captive in Mountjoy and Limerick prisons. Their position should be respected. I call for the Minister to come to the House.