A probe into the problems facing the under-pressure Prison Service is to be held.

Government has offered to hold a Board of Inquiry into the difficulties facing the service after the Prison Officers Association (POA) agreed to end their industrial action.

The prison officers called off their work-to-rule on Monday night after lengthy talks with Labour and Home Affairs officials.

Officers have now resumed escorting prisoners to court and supervising work parties, activities which they curtailed during the ten-day dispute.

Labour and Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Robert Horton said the board would be held soon, and would likely make recommendations on how to solve some of the issues facing the service.

But he pointed out that it has yet to be decided whether or not the recommendations would be binding on the parties.

"There was a meeting of the POA. It was attended by Commissioner of Prisons Edward Dyer and myself. During the first part we addressed some of the ongoing concerns,'' he said.

"They agreed they would resume work. We offered a Board of Inquiry, which was accepted.

"From a management point of view, we are greatly relieved that they have resumed normal work.'' Mr. Horton said the board would comprise three members, a chairman recommended by the Ministry of Home Affairs, a second suggested by the POA and one from the Prison Management.

He said the terms of reference were being sorted out and it was hoped the board would be able to meet behind closed doors soon.

The POA has welcomed the removal of civil prisoners from Westgate and placing them in an adjoining building, however, they are still seeking a solution in the long term.

Prisoners, sent to Westgate for non-payment of child support, are beginning to be moved into a training area next to the prison. They will be housed there and guarded by former prison officers, who have come out of retirement.

Prison probe to be held In addition, Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox announced on Friday that new officers would be hired, temporary staff converted to permanent and in future, civil prisoners would be dealt with under the "alternatives to incarceration'' programme.

Officers began their action, which involved not carrying out any duties outside of the actual prisons themselves, after overcrowding at Westgate pushed them to the limit.

They were concerned over the possibility of violence, the long hours worked by officers and the scourge of drugs within the facilities.

And, after there appeared to be no progress in their demands, they issued a threat of legal action over the conditions in the prisons.