asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position regarding the nurses' demand for better pay and conditions.

As I indicated to the House on 28 February 1979, a special conciliation committee has been established under the scheme of conciliation and arbitration to examine and report on the principles governing the remuneration of general trained nurses. The committee is at present actively engaged in carrying out this examination. It is the intention of all the parties concerned that the committee will complete its work at the earliest possible date.

When was the committee set up?

The committee began their work on 23 January 1979 after the discussions here.

Is the Minister aware of the very deep sense of dissatisfaction and grievance on the part of the nurses at the delay in receiving some answer to their claim for better pay and conditions?

I too am a bit worried about the delay but this is a major job. I understand that the nurses' representatives are satisfied with the progress being made.

Question No. 6.

Is the Minister aware of the deep dissatisfaction of the members of the nursing profession at the delay of the committee in completing this work and at the manner in which the work appears to be being carried out? Is the Minister aware of the type of work the committee are doing?

I am very much aware of it. I am following their work closely.

Is the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction of the ordinary nurses who apparently have not been consulted in any way by the members of the committee.

I can imagine that the nurses are a bit worried, as I am. But on the other hand the nurses' representatives are satisfied that the group is working as rapidly as possible. They have undertaken a major and important task and the view of the nurses' representatives is that it is worth while taking time to do the job.

Bearing in mind the dissatisfaction of the nurses and bearing in mind that their basic claim is for better pay and conditions, will the Minister give an assurance to the House as to when a result might be expected or some positive guarantee to the nurses that they will get better pay and conditions?

The word "delay" was used in relation to meeting the claim, but that is inaccurate because the pace of the work is dictated by the nurses' representatives. The committee are comprised entirely of nurses' representatives and the pace of the work is a matter for them. I understand from them that they are satisfied that the committee are getting on with the job as quickly as can be expected.

I was also talking to the nurses. Has the Minister given any consideration to the granting of an interim increase to the nurses pending the production of this document?

That is a separate question. Question No. 6.

The Deputy has a valid point but he should also realise that the nurses have been assured that to some extent the time taken will not affect them because the findings will be retrospective.

That will not buy stockings for them.