THE use of private members time for what opposition parties considered "a politically juicy subject" had become a habit, a Labour deputy said.

Speaking during resumed debate on the PDs Prisons Bill, which proposes to set up a separate executive prison service, Mr Pat Upton (Lab, Dublin South Central) said the PDs alluded to the Labour deputies as "being soft on crime". That was not so. "It is profoundly dishonest to suggest that just because there is a causal link between deprivation and crime that makes one soft on crime. Being tough on crime is about more than posturing in this chamber."

Ms Kathleen Lynch (DL, Cork North Central) said the independent prisons service to be established under the Bill would be subservient to the Department of Justice in all but name.

Debate on the Bill continues next week.

At question time the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, Mr Dukes, said the peat station project for the midlands was going ahead. He would be having discussions with the EU energy commissioner about it today.

Responding at question time to the Fianna Fail spokesman, Mr Seamus Brennan, who asked about reports that the project was put "on hold" by the EU, Mr Dukes said he had been unable to find any foundation for the reports.

In an adjournment debate Ms Mairin Quill (PD, Cork North Central) said the future of Youghal Carpets was critical.