Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the recent discussions regarding work changes and restructuring of the prison service are a continuation of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work Agreement 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13930/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy is referring to the proposal for organisational change in the Irish Prison Service, revised July 2005, which was accepted by staff in August 2005. The agreement provides, inter alia, for new working arrangements and the elimination of overtime working across the Prison Service.

The change negotiations were progressed in the context of the national social partnership agreement in place at the time, that is, Sustaining Progress. The benefits for staff arising from the agreement are not affected by, and are consistent with, the benefits arising under Sustaining Progress.