The threat of closure hanging over four of the State's prison remains today with talks between the Prison Officers' Association (POA) and the Irish Prison Service at the Labour Relations Commission continuing.
Today's meeting comes after the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, announced the closure of the Curragh detention centre in Co Kildare and Spike Island in Cork in a €32 million cost-cutting measure.
Mr McDowell is trying to halve the €64 million prison service overtime bill, which he has described as "immoral". But talks over the Christmas period failed to resolve the issue - with the POA accusing Mr McDowell of provoking a dispute with a view to the eventual privatisation of the service.
The Curragh is due to shut next Monday with Spike Island closing on January 31st.
Shelton Abbey prison in Co Wicklow and Loughan House, Co Cavan, will be converted to pre-release hostels run by non-prison staff in February under the Minster's plan. Staff at the four facilities will be redeployed in other parts of the service.
The LRC talks have now been adjourned until next Monday.