asked the Minister for Labour why he did not make his intentions in relation to paid educational leave known before 31 December 1980 in accordance with the terms of the national understanding 1980.

22.

asked the Minister for Labour his decision on the question of paid educational leave in the context of the commitment in the last national understanding.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.

The Government have now considered the Report of the Working Group on International Labour Organisation Convention No. 140 on paid educational leave, in accordance with paragraph 47 of the second national understanding for economic and social development.

The Government have already accepted the principle of this Convention and propose to proceed towards ratification as soon as economic and financial circumstances permit.

In the meantime I am arranging discussions with the Director General of the International Labour Office to consider, in the light of the position as set out in the report of the working group, the basis on which the Convention might be ratified.

Arising from the Minister's reply, would he not agree that what he has said effectively marks no advance on the present situation?

I am satisfied that arrangements will be worked out very shortly.

Would the Minister not agree that there is no commitment by him or by the Government to ratify and introduce the necessary financial provisions for paid educational leave by any date in the future?

It all depends on how negotiations go. We are hopeful of a successful outcome.

Is it anticipated that the convention will be ratified and administrative arrangements completed in time for people to take paid educational leave at the beginning of the next academic year?

I am very hopeful that this will be done.

Could the Minister say whether some of the Ministers of State will be sent on paid educational leave?

Ceist 23, please.