Parliamentary Question: Prison Escort Service

25th November 2003

67. Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he intends to invite tenders for the provision of an escort service for the Irish Prison Service; the type of firms or organisations he envisages being able to carry out this work; if a change in the law will be required to allow private firms to carry out this work; his views on whether this is a suitable area for privatisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28248/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Deputies are aware of the context within which the Government decision was made to put in place cost reduction measures if agreement cannot be reached with the association on viable work practices and manning levels and the elimination of overtime. The invitation of expressions of interest from the private sector on the provision of an escort service is one of those measures. I have no desire to privatise the prison escort service. My preference is for an agreed way forward which is beneficial to management and staff. The responsibility for the choice, which must be made, rests entirely with the Prison Officers Association.

I have an entirely open mind on what types of firms would be able to carry out this work but I am confident that a suitable operator could be identified during a tender evaluation process. I understand that a change in the law will be required to facilitate this work being done by the private sector and this will be dealt with if agreement is not reached with the Prison Officers Association.