asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that a closed shop exists in the ESB in relation to the right of association; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am not aware of any barrier to employees of the ESB joining or forming associations of their own choosing.

Is the Minister not aware that on a recent television programme a representative of another union recognised as having negotiating rights within the ESB admitted freely that he recognised that a closed shop situation did exist in the ESB and went so far as to try to justify it? Is the Minister aware that this was on television?

I am not so aware. The Deputy may be confusing two things—negotiation and association.