asked the Minister for Education if he will state when it is proposed to set up conciliation and arbitration machinery for national teachers.

I am in negotiation with representatives of the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, regarding the text of a scheme of conciliation and arbitration for national teachers.

I have informed the organisation that the date on which a scheme, as finally approved by the Government, will be brought into operation, will be considered in the light of the position in regard to legal proceedings taken by certain teachers against the Minister for Education and their respective managers.