With regard to the Minister's ongoing correspondence with the unions involved in the ESB consultancy in the Philippines, what line is he taking in reply to the trade union allegations? Has he merely sent them an acknowledgment of their representations or is he taking a stronger line in relation to them?

We can scarcely go into that detail now.

I propose to investigate the allegations and to write to the Deputy to furnish him with full details. It is better to do it that way.

How would the Minister propose to investigate the allegations of the trade unions?

I propose to do it through ways and means at my disposal. Although we do not have diplomatic relations in Manila I can do it through other means at my disposal.

They are expecting a reply.

The unions will always get their reply from me and any member of the public or any organisation of the State will always get a reply from me.

The fishermen got their answer, too.

Indeed.