asked the Minister for Labour why the appointment of Senator Brian Hillery as chairman of the proposed Commission on Industrial Relations was withdrawn; if there had been prior consultation with the bodies concerned regarding the appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

When I invited both sides of industry to nominate representatives for the proposed Commission on Industrial Relations I informed them that I had invited Professor Brian Hillery to act as chairman.

In subsequent consultations certain revisions of the original proposals were suggested and some reservations were expressed regarding Professor Hillery as chairman. While his professional record as academic, consultant and practitioner was recognised and not called in question, it was suggested to me, in the course of consultations, that his membership of the Seanad might give rise to difficulties.

In these circumstances, I do not propose to press Professor Hillery to take on the chairmanship of the proposed commission.

I am sure the Minister shares my regret at the embarrassment to Senator Hillery. I would ask him to assure the House that in future in matters of this kind he will have prior consultations with the other parties as a basic practice in industrial relations. May we have that assurance?

The Minister will always have consultations. That is and has been part of my performance to date.

Does the Minister regret the embarrassment to Senator Hillery? Does he not consider that his lack of prior consultation has severely damaged Senator Hillery?

I have made that point clear. It is unfair to the commission and to Senator Hillery that the Deputy should make such allegations. In my reply I explained that his professional record as academic, consultant and practitioner was recognised and was not called in question. It was suggested that his membership of the Seanad might give rise to certain difficulties.

Is it not true that it has been implied that Senator Hillery is a Fianna Fáil hack and, therefore, not acceptable.

That is not a relevant question. I am calling the next question.

Is it not the case that they are saying that Senator Hillery is a Fianna Fáil hack? It is most unfair to the Professor, even though he is a Fianna Fáil Senator.

I should put the record straight and say that he holds the only chair in industrial relations in our National University.

That is all the more reason why he should not be embarrassed by the Minister's stupidity. I am quite serious.

I think the Deputy should be asked to withdraw that statement.

What statement?

The Deputy alleged the Minister was stupid.

I asserted it.

The word is not acceptable in parliamentary language.

I am sorry. I did not realise that. I will not repeat it.

Withdrawal of the word can prevent certain retaliation.

I withdraw it willingly.

I accept it entirely.