§ Mr. P. MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the working-pay system, for the performance of special duties under the Irish prisons new scheme, is working unsatisfactorily and is causing dissatisfaction throughout the service generally; that in some cases warders have been paid working-pay for Sundays since its inception, but were compelled to refund that Sunday pay at the end of last year, thereby causing them hardship; that warders in 1184W receipt of working-pay are invariably permitted to earn double working-pay by being detailed to relieve working-pay posts, thereby depriving Class 3 warders, not in receipt of any allowance, of the opportunity of earning something extra; that in a number of cases Class 2 warders are per forming the duties of posts which, according to the official circular promulgating the new scheme, were to be filled by Class 3 warders with a working pay allowance; that in other cases posts which, according to the same circular, should be filled by Class 2 warders are not so filled; that in at least two such cases a fixed yearly allowance of £10 is being given to Class 3 warders for performing the duties, entirely contrary to any provision of the new scheme; that no uniform system of paying or distributing working-pay exists, each governor being left to interpret the circulars as he likes; as he has stated on a former occasion that the Irish new scheme is based on the Scottish system, will lie now consider the advisability of making the Irish working pay system identical with that which obtains in Scotland, namely, a fixed yearly rate of from £5 to £10 per year; and will he inquire into the different details contained in this question with a view to removing the confusion and dissatisfaction which at present exists in the Irish prison service in regard to this matter?
§ Mr. DUKEThe General Prisons Board inform me that the new system is meeting the requirements of the prisons service, and that while some adjustments have been made in cases of overpayment no case of hardship arises. The statement that warders are permitted to earn double working-pay is not correct. Where Class 2 warders are performing special duties they are remunerated by their superior rank and better pay more highly than the Class 3 warders. In such cases no question arises as to the duties being assignable to Class 3 warders with working-pay. In cases where posts which should be filled by Class 2 warders are not so filled, or a fixed yearly allowance is given to Class 3 warders for performing the duties, the arrangements are temporary. The governors are not left to interpret the circulars as suggested, but considerable discretion is left to them. The Prisons Board do not recommend any change in the system.
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