Talks aimed at resolving the prison officers' dispute were at a stalemate last night, but both sides are optimistic a solution will be found shortly, a Government Information Services spokesman said.

Management of the Prison Service have been forced to escort inmates to court because of a sick-out by officers at all three prison facilities.

Prison Officers Association leaders met a Government Labour Relations Officer and talks were continuing into the evening, said the GIS spokesman.

An immediate breakthrough is not anticipated in the dispute, which centres on complaints of staff shortages and over-crowding at Westgate Correctional Facility.

A GIS spokesman said yesterday: "Discussions are continuing and no solution has been found yet.

"But both sides are optimistic that a solution will soon be found.'' Meanwhile, a retired prison officer is urging ex-prison staff to attend a meeting today to see if they can help alleviate the staffing crisis.

Former officer Wilbert Warner has organised the meeting for this morning at Prison Service headquarters.

According to media reports, Mr. Warner believes the former officers could help with escort duties.

Overcrowding at Westgate continued yesterday, with 235 inmates being held - 27 more than the capacity.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Dunkley called on Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox to "come clean'' on what she is doing to solve the crisis.

UNIONS UNS