asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the serious effects on the whole economy of the present shipping dispute, he intends taking immediate steps to arrange a speedy settlement.

At the request of the Congress of Irish Unions I appointed a mediator specially to investigate this dispute and to make recommendations. The recommendations of the mediator were not accepted by one party to the dispute. The matter is at present the subject of conciliation proceedings under the auspices of the Labour Court.

Did the Minister consult the Congress of Irish Unions before granting negotiation rights to the Irish Seamen's Union?

I would require notice of that question. I do not think so.

Would it not be a matter of courtesy to consult the Congress of Irish Unions?