§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Jane Kennedy)I have today laid before Parliament the report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body on the pay of governor and officer grades in the Northern Ireland Prison Service for 2003. Copies have been placed in the Library of both Houses.
Both the Secretary of State and I welcome the recognition in the report of the work of staff in the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
The Review Body has recommended a consolidated increase of 2.5 per cent. on existing rates of pay for the 12 month period commencing 1 April 2003 and an increase of 1.5 per cent. on allowances.
I have decided to accept the recommendations and implement the award in full.