§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to resolve the dispute with prison officers in the prisons of Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe present dispute results from a claim for an increase from £3 to £5 per day in the emergency allowance payable to prison officers in Northern Ireland.
Discussions are continuing with the Prison Officer's Association. I believe that this allowance is an appropriate matter for the inquiry into prison service conditions throughout the United Kingdom, since its remit will include pay and conditions of service. I hope that in the light of this independent review the prison officers in Northern Ireland will demonstrate their responsibility and return to normal duties.