Fact Number 1 - the former PD minister for justice eliminated overtime as it was know it in previous format and yes plenty of older household providers became, in reality, institutionalised by the system in the past, these days things are different. ( the main breadwinner living the other side of the country for many years can hardly be viewed as a luxury?? while living in digs in some kip to support a family far away?? You know if you want to work in Cork prison you might have to work in Dublin for 11,12,13 years before you get a transfer)
Fact Number 2 - There is now complusory overtime in place and this works quarterly in advance in most cases, and especially in the case of more junior staff you just have to do whats given to you end of ( I might add that you might also have no interest in doing ANY overtime but you will be compelled by the minister)
Fact Number 3 - I cant understand how people can possibly believe that the prison service is alien to the rest of the planet and they get paid when they are sick, they do not, like many many other areas they will change to social welfare if out longer than the common cold. Many Prison Officers have income continuance in place for this reason and the level of attacks and stress within the job that might have them out any longer.
Strangely enough the entry level pay for the prison service is around 28k with 3 years probation, I cant see many in the line for those positions can you??