McDowell to forge ahead with prison plan
30/06/2005 - 08:21:15Justice Minister Michael McDowell is set to press ahead with plans to close down two prisons and privatise the prison escort service.
Reports this morning said Mr McDowell was set to inform the Prison Officers Association tomorrow that he would be implementing his plan following rejection of an agreement designed to reduce the prison overtime bill.
The POA had recommended acceptance of the deal, but its members overwhelmingly voted against it.
Mr McDowell had threatened to close down two prisons, transfer two others to "an outside agency" and privatise the prison escort service if the agreement was not accepted.
