asked the Taoiseach if his recent statement regarding dissatisfaction with the operation of the present national wage agreement indicates a preference by the Government for individual plant bargaining during the next year.

As the current national agreement has more than four months to run for some groups and over seven months for many others, it would be premature to indicate any preference as to possible negotiations on its expiry.

Will the Taoiseach indicate to the House, since a decision has been taken by the trade unions not to enter into talks that might lead to a national wage agreement next year, the steps the Government have in mind to encourage the emergence of orderly negotiations on wages in 1979? Would the Taoiseach agree that an early indication by the Government that they do not intend to phase out food subsidies would assist in the creation of a constructive climate for the emergence of such negotiations?

The question does not mention food subsidies.

They are quite relevant.

It is completely extraneous.

Is the Taoiseach saying that it is extraneous what happens in wage negotiations next year?

To introduce it in this fashion is.

In which fashion?

If the Deputy wishes to discuss the question of food subsidies he should table a question about them.

I have asked the Taoiseach to state the steps the Government propose to take to encourage the emergence of orderly wage negotiations. Does the Taoiseach visualise taking any steps to encourage that next year?

With some of my colleagues I had a meeting with the executive committee of ICTU during which we discussed the future possibility of a wage agreement. At that stage the congress delegates were not in a position to indicate what course events might take, but we terminated the meeting on the understanding that if and when it would be desirable to have a further meeting such a meeting could be arranged. Naturally, I am anxious to meet Congress delegates if they have any suggestions to make.

Will the Taoiseach tell the House how he will encourage the prospects of orderly wage negotiations next year?

As the Government responsible for establishing trade union-employer negotiations which led to national wage agreements we are naturally interested in them and would be glad to see such agreements continu-ing.

Will the Taoiseach be having further talks with those representatives?

I cannot say at this stage.