Prison officers' representatives have said no offer has yet been made to them on overtime payments, despite claims in the media this morning.
Some 3,200 prison staff are due to be offered a deal that will pay them for 300 extra hours every year in a bid to reduce the amount of overtime paid to them by the State.
The offer was to be circulated to prison officers around the State today. It is estimated that the package will cost around €22 million a year if it is agreed. The bill for prison officers' overtime has soared in recent years and is set to reach €60 million this year.
It was reported last year that some prison officers were earning more than a governor's salary in overtime alone - up to €90,000 in at least one case.
The officers will earn around €6,900 extra a year if they agree to accept payment for the extra hours. They will receive the money even if they do not work the full 300 hours. Prison officers work an average of 13-15 hours overtime each week, which is in some cases compulsory.
Agreement is also being sought on more efficient working practices.
A 90-day deadline on agreement between prison staff and management imposed by the Minister for Justice has now expired. The Irish Prison Officers Association (IPOA) said this afternoon it had not received the offer on overtime payments.