asked the Minister for Finance if any decision has yet been arrived at concerning the claim for arrears of pay for those engaged on relief work in the City of Dublin during the period of the building dispute; and if he can state the result of the negotiations between his Department, the Department of Local Government and Public Health and the relief workers' representatives.

asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has arrived at a decision in the matter of the sanction of retrospective payment of increased wages to workers engaged in the various relief schemes in the Dublin area, and, if not, when a decision may be expected.

I propose to take questions numbered 16 and 17 together. I have nothing to add to the reply given to a similar question on the same subject addressed to me by Deputy Heron on the 9th February last.

Can the Minister say when he will be in a position to give a decision on the application?

As soon as the matter has been fully considered.

The application has now been under consideration for close on three months. Is three months not a sufficient time to consider the claims of these men?

I have nothing to add.