asked the Minister for Justice if he will explain the circumstances in which a prisoner (details supplied) in Mountjoy prison succeeded in getting out of his cell and as far as the perimeter wall in the early hours of the morning; and how he came into possession of a makeshift ladder.

At about 5.30 a.m. on 14 April two prisoners were discovered apparently about to attempt to scale the boundary wall. The prisoners were discovered by a prison officer on patrol.

Both the prison authorities and the Garda are carrying out investigations into the incident and until these investigations are completed it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment.

Can the Minister say how it happened that in the small hours, 5.30 a.m., two prisoners were able to get out of cells — presumably they were in cells — out of the wing and to the perimeter wall, carrying a makeshift ladder? How can this occur? How many officers were on duty in the prison at the time and how many prisoners were there altogether?

I have said that, until the investigations being carried out by the prison authorities and the Garda have been completed, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment. I think that the House would not wish me to respond to Deputy Woods's questions. I do not have the information he requested on the number of officers on duty or on the exact number of prisoners. The normal number at the moment is in the region of 520.

Would the Minister say if it is normal procedure for such prisoners to be locked in cells at that time of the morning, securely locked in cells in the compound? Will the Minister supply a report to the House when it is available and will he include in the report if one of the prisoners was on remand, alleged to have killed his wife in America, and will the Minister say whether there was anyone outside the wall of the prison? Nobody has suggested this, but there has been a suggestion that there may have been an attempt from outside to aid the escape.

I will not comment on any suggestions or speculations until I have had a complete report. I am not in a position to say when that report will be available.

I suggest, a Cheann Comhairle, that the House adjourn until 3.45.

Is the House agreeable to adjourn until 3.45 p.m.?

There is no need to worry.

I am asking the Deputy if he is agreeable to the House adjourning until 3.45 p.m.

Agreed.