asked the Minister for Education if he will ensure that ex-members of teaching orders such as the Irish Christian Brothers are given credit for their years of service in the assessment of retiral pensions.

The question of reckoning for pension purposes service given by ex-members of religious orders while on the minimum staffs of national schools paid under the capitation system is the subject of a claim which was submitted by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation for discussion at the conciliation council for teachers.

The matter is still under negotiation at the conciliation council and in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment on it at this stage.

When?

The terms were discussed on 11th June, 1973 and the 11th April, 1974. That is my information.

Is the Minister aware that this is a matter affecting quite a number of people who have given loyal and devoted service to our educational institutions and would he use his good offices to endeavour to have the claim dealt with expeditiously, to ensure that the people concerned will be granted this consession—I hate to use the word— because elementary justice requires it?

I agree the matter should receive sympathetic consideration. I have made moves to have the matter brought to finality.

If the INTO are not pressing as assiduously as they might, are there any steps open to the Minister or his representatives through arbitration machinery to have the matter finalised?

I will do everything open to me.

Question No. 55 postponed.