asked the Minister for Labour the consultations he has had or intends to have with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions regarding the possibility of making May Day, that is 1 May a public holiday; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

: I have had no consultations so far with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions about the possibility of making 1 May a public holiday. I have initiated a review of the whole body of social legislation administered by my Department and the existing statutory holiday entitlement of workers will be examined in the context of that review.

: In view of the fact that Ireland has one of the lowest number of statutory public holidays, would the Minister not agree it is time that recognition was given to the working classes by making May Day a public holiday?

: I accept that a review should take place.