Nineteen prison officers are facing dismissal from their posts after an ongoing examination of rates of absenteeism flagged concerns about high levels of sick leave, the Sunday Tribune has learned.

The director general of the Irish Prison Service, Brian Purcell, has also confirmed that a total of 81 others are facing less severe disciplinary action due to issues surrounding absenteeism.

This brings to 98 the total number of prison officers facing sanctions due to absenteeism, and includes 51 individuals who have been told they will not be paid for any sick leave they take.

A further 28 have had the "privilege" of being allowed take set amounts of uncertified sick leave removed.

Under a deal introduced in late 2005, the state's 3,300 prison officers are now paid for 360 hours overtime annually regardless of whether or not they work those hours.

In return, when an officer goes sick, another officer covers without extra pay.

This has led to a reduction in the overtime bill of over 17% in 2007, and an annual saving of €30m. A further reduction of 7% to 8% is envisaged for this year, said Purcell.

He said the IPS recognises that there is a "problem of absenteeism" among a "small minority" of staff.

This has led to 19 individuals receiving letters telling them they face dismissal, he said.

"We've conducted a thorough examination in every prison and we've identified the problem cases.

"And we're concentrating our efforts on dealing with the problem cases," he said.

"It really is a hardcore of people, a hardcore of problem cases, but unfortunately they distort the overall picture."

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