NOEL TUOHY,
Sir, - A number of months ago prison officers in general were accused in a national newspaper of fraud in relation to sick leave. The demanded and expected apology and withdrawal have never materialised.
More recently, prison officers were accused of using physical force against prisoners after a dispute in Portlaoise Prison. These are malicious and untrue accusations which I and every officer in Portlaoise greatly resent.
I am amazed that the Minister and the prison authorities haven't exposed these accusations for what they are - lies.
Our employers seem to show concern only about overtime, all of which is either compulsory or absolutely necessary and which at times they use as a smokescreen to cloud what is at times an inability to manage.
Can I say that neither I nor any other member of staff that I know of are guilty of any of the above offences. Thank you for the opportunity to put this on record. - Yours, etc.,
NOEL TUOHY,
c/o Portlaoise Prison,
Portlaoise.