week failed to resolve outstanding differences between Government and Prison Officers.

The inquiry was sparked by concern about overcrowding and staffing levels at Westgate prison.

Yesterday Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox said dialogue would continue ahead of the resumption of the inquiry at the end of the month.

She said: "In the meantime parties on both sides are talking.

"We have issues relating to the infrastructure such as lighting, security course and also issues of staffing.

"The process has been very helpful.'' She said the parties were now trying to narrow the issues and widen the areas of agreement.

Ms. Cox said she could not say anymore because she did not want to step on the toes of inquiry chairman Ian Kawaley.

However Mr. Kawaley has been reluctant to speak about the talks.