Parliamentary Question: Prison Service Absenteeism

21st February 2002

44. Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to address the underlying causes of the serious level of absenteeism arising from illness among prison officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6088/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): The issue of absenteeism has been an ongoing concern for the Irish Prisons Service. A number of initiatives have been introduced to address the problem over the years including measures involving an employee assistance programme, medical assistance support, an active health and safety programme and in certain circumstances arrangements to withdraw sick leave with pay facilities or dismissal where persistent excessive absenteeism arises.

The Human Resource Directorate of the Irish Prisons Service has been examining the need for a revised attendance policy to better deal with the issue. Following some research and consultation with prison line management a draft attendance policy has been drawn up. The draft policy has a three-fold purpose, namely, (1) to set out a clear and consistent policy in relation to the management of attendance, (2) to devolve to local prison level the managing of that policy; and (3) to ensure that immediate supervisors have a clear and defined role in relation to the management of staff who report to them.

This draft attendance policy was outlined to the Prison Officers' Association in December last for their consideration and officials of the human resource directorate will meet the Prison Officers' Association in the coming weeks to progress the matter further.

In addition, the wider question of attendance requirements including the impact of high levels of overtime are the subject of separate discussions between management and staff in the context of a strategic effectiveness programme. One of the aims of this programme will be to address the current overtime dependence of the service which can have adverse consequences for attendance and absenteeism levels generally.