asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on March 9 and his reaction thereto.

I have noted that the Special Delegate Conference of ICTU, held on 9 March 1979 adopted the trade union policy proposals as set out in the Congress discussion document of February 1979 and also gave approval to discussions with the Government on a national development plan in accordance with trade union policy.

I welcome this development as I consider that discussions between the Government and both sides of industry on major issues of economic and social policy are desirable as an ongoing process and I would hope that, as a result of these discussions, an orderly approach to income development will be achieved.

I share the Minister's welcome of the document. Will the Minister state if the Government are prepared now in the proposed national development deal to include items such as taxation, social insurance——

That does not arise on the question. I have called question No. 17.

These items are in congress document.

It does not arise on the question. I have called Question No. 17.

These items are included in the congress document. I am asking the Minister if he would be disposed to have these matters included in a national development deal?

I have called the next question.