asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if he is in a position to report on the likely support among employers and unions for the 7 per cent pay guideline and if any statutory back-up for the guideline is envisaged.

The Government's interim pay arrangements were explained in detail to representatives of the employers and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions at meetings which were attended by the Taoiseach and other Ministers on 19 June. Having regard to the deterioration in the international economic climate, mainly as a result of the reduced supply and increased cost of oil, the Government would expect the support of all sections of the community to ensure that the interim arrangements can be applied throughout the economy. Apart from existing statutory provisions, such as those in the area of price control, which are open to the Government to use, no additional statutory back-up is envisaged for the pay guideline.

20.