Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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151. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will intervene to avert threatened strike action by prison officers regarding safety concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9756/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can assure the Deputy that I am kept fully informed on issues arising in the Prison Service including the current ballot of members by the Prison Officers Association by the Director General and his senior management team.

Over the last 4 years, significant reform has been implemented in the Prison Service which has been achieved through constructive engagement and consultation with the Prison Officers' Association. It is important that we continue to build on this success to ensure that we maintain a modern prison service which is fit for purpose and operates in the most effective and efficient way possible while providing a safe environment for staff to work in.

Unfortunately, a number of implementation issues have arisen in respect of the Croke Park and Haddington Road agreements in recent months. The Deputy can be assured that Prison Service management has at all times continued to engage with the Prison Officers Association on these issues through the well established mechanisms contained within those agreements, which provide a framework for parties to address and resolve issues of implementation as they arise, including extensive discussions under the chairmanship of the Labour Relations Commission.

I am continuing to keep in touch with the Director General and his management team. I have also been in contact with the General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association in which I reaffirmed the Prison Service's commitment to engaging with the Association.