asked the Minister for Finance what is the present position in relation to the proposals to make permanent and pensionable the appointments of blind telephonists employed in various Government Departments.

I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to a question asked by him on 15 December, last.

Has the Minister given the matter any consideration? I think these lines girls in the Department should be pensionable and permanent.

No application has been made under the scheme of conciliation and arbitration.