asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will state in detail in relation to each semi-State body associated with his Department, what arrangements, if any, exist for the provision of paid maternity leave for their employees; and, in the case of any which do not have such arrangements, the steps he proposes to take to see that such arrangements are made.

I have no formal control, statutory or otherwise, over the conditions of employment in the State-sponsored bodies under my aegis, other than in certain instances in relation to remuneration. Consequently it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in this area.