asked the Minister for Finance whether it is now intended to proceed with the proposal to establish an Arbitration Board for the purpose of having decided questions relating to the conditions of employment of Civil Servants which cannot be settled by agreement with the Civil Service Staff Organisations.

The answer to the Deputy's question is in the affirmative.

To what part of the question does the Minister's reply refer? Does it refer to the scheme submitted to the Civil Service twelve months ago and is that described as a proposal for arbitration?

The whole of my affirmative reply refers to the whole of the question.

Does the Minister refer to the scheme which, as reported in the morning newspapers, was turned down by a meeting of the Service last night?

I do not know whether the Deputy is competent to speak for the Service or not.

Is it the Minister's attitude that he will not implement the promise given by the President in Rathmines Town Hall before the Fianna Fáil Party came into office?

Might I explain to the Deputy that when I say that the answer to his question is in the affirmative, I mean yes.

What does "yes" mean?

The affirmative.

It probably means no.