asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if the non-pay elements in the recent national understanding package can be incorporated in any new pay agreement reached between employers and unions; and if the Government supports a joint employer/union agreement on pay.

The Taoiseach and other Ministers met with representatives of the employers and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 28 June to discuss proposals which had been put forward by the two parties for a reinstatement of the non-pay elements of the national understanding together with revised proposals on the understanding's original pay provisions. The employer and ICTU representatives were informed that the Government will agree to implement the terms of the understanding, including the pay terms, provided the new package is ratified by both parties.

The Government have consistently made it known that they would favour a consensus approach, involving employers and the ICTU, to deal with the economic and social issues which are set out in the national understanding. The more unsettled economic climate which has been developing in recent months makes the adoption of such an approach all the more urgent and important.

Can I take it there is an undertaking that, if the revised pay arrangements are agreed between the employers and the trade unions, the non-pay elements of the original national understanding will come into force?

Yes.