asked the Minister for Labour if he will make a statement in relation to the policy of public bodies who refuse to avail themselves of the established conciliation procedures for the purpose of resolving industrial disputes.

All organisations, whether public or not, and all unions representing their employees, are encouraged to refer to the appropriate industrial relations institutions in cases where they fail to settle disputes through direct discussion and negotiation.

Has the Minister taken any direct recent steps to acquaint public bodies, such as those referred in the question, of his views on this matter?

I said that all organisations are encouraged and always will be but I am not aware of the necessity to take the steps the Deputy referred to. If I become aware of the necessity to do so at any time I will be only too glad to approach such bodies.

Could the Minister tell the House the last occasion on which he gave any such encouragement to public bodies?

I have repeatedly encouraged it in many statements of mine but have not yet come across a case where I had to encourage a public body to use conciliation procedures or industrial relations procedures but if the occasion arises I will do so.