asked the Minister for Justice the reasons for the deterioration in the situation in St. Patrick's Institution which has led to requests by the prison officers to have the institution closed and if his reply to questions earlier this year on conditions in St. Patrick's Institution are consistent with recent reports.

I am not aware of any deterioration in conditions in St. Patrick's Institution in the last 12 months. On the contrary, work has been proceeding in St. Patrick's on the provision of additional facilities, for example, the extension of the educational unit, the adaptation of workshop areas and the planning of a replacement kitchen. These measures are, of course, interim ones.

I am on record as saying that I do not consider St. Patrick's Institution as a suitable place to accommodate juveniles and I have never said anything inconsistent with that. Planning is well advanced for two new institutions, one in Dublin and one in Cork, to replace St. Patrick's. At a recent meeting with the Prison Officers' Association, policy in regard to the eventual closure of St. Patrick's was clearly explained. The Deputy's question suggests that what I have said is inconsistent with recent statements made in an article in the association's magazine. I accept that it is inconsistent with that article. However, what I have said is factually and provably correct.

Would the Minister address his mind momentarily to the inconsistency between what was said by his Minister of State on 27 June in the House in reply to my questions and what he has said now? The Minister of State indicated then that there was complete harmony, light and reason, and all kinds of hope that peace and stability would prevail in this institution but within a matter of a few months the prison's officers requested that the place be closed. The Minister publicly acceded to that request.

It is not my intention to give the Deputy a lesson or anything like that but he is incorrect in his facts. I made known to the association who represent prison officers my views on St. Patrick's and my plans for it a long time before there was any call for its closure.

Will the Minister comment on the clear difference of opinion between him and his Minister of State as expressed on 27 June?

I do not have a copy of what the Minister of State said on that occasion.

That does not arise now; it is a separate question.

That question is essential.

I did not envisage that this matter would be raised on this question but I am prepared to deal with it later.

I will table a question about this matter later when I obtain a copy of what the Minister of State said.