asked the Minister for Labour how soon he intends to introduce legislation to reform the Trade Disputes Act, 1906 and other industrial relations matters.

Consultations are at present in progress and when these are concluded, I shall submit detailed proposals to the Government.

Would the Minister not agree that the Government are committed, under the national understanding, to amend the Trade Disputes Act, 1906? Could he say why there is a delay in introducing reform, to which the Government are committed?

Negotiations and talks are in progress with various interested parties. I hope they will be concluded in the very near future.

Does the Minister accept that this is a commitment under the national understanding?

Yes, we are fully committed to that.

Would the Minister not accept that talks have already taken place and that this is a commitment on behalf of the Government? Will the Minister assure the House that the Government are not going to renege on this commitment?

I assure the House that we are not going to renege on this commitment.

Would the Minister not agree, in view of the commitment in the national understanding, that trade unions concerned and especially public service unions, who are debarred from certain vital protection under the Act, are showing commendable restraint in not being more vociferous?

I assure the Deputy there will be no unavoidable delay.