asked the Minister for Justice the equipment supplied to Mountjoy prison officers on night patrol duty from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Night patrol is from 9.15 p.m. to 8.15 a.m. During the night prisoners are normally in their cells. If for any reason prisoners are not in their cells during any part of the period extra staff come on duty. The question of what special equipment, if any, is supplied to officers on night patrol either as a matter of course or on special occasions is a matter affecting security and is confidential. I cannot, therefore, agree to disclose any information about it or to comment.

I am told that, while prison officers are working in the grounds of the prison, they are completely out of touch with the prison, and the only equipment they have is a tin whistle and in many cases it is 20 or 30 years' old.

I do not know who the Deputy's informer is, for want of a better word. I do not think the age of the tin whistle has any relevance if it works. I can assure the Deputy that, in addition to an out-of-date tin whistle, as he describes it, modern penology and modern prison accommodation demand modern technology. He can be certain that the Minister and the Department of Justice are aware of the need for matters other than tin whistles of whatever age in relation to security.

I have every sympathy with the Minister in trying to defend a system which has nothing better to offer than a tin whistle. Does he consider it right that in modern society in a high security prison the efficiency of the staff is left to the working of a tin whistle, whether or not the pea works?

The answer to that question is no.

Does the Minister seriously suggest that security can be properly attended to——

As I have already pointed out, matters affecting security in Mountjoy Prison and other prisons are confidential. He can take my word and the word of the Minister of Justice that security does not depend on the working or otherwise of an out-of-date tin whistle.

I am talking about the officers who are on night duty in a particular part of the prison.

They are adequately prepared for any eventuality which may arise.