asked the Minister for Labour if, in view of the recent decisions taken by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federated Union of Employers on vastly different approaches to pay in 1983, he will outline the Government's strategy in this very important area.

: I would refer the Deputy to the statement issued on 10 March 1983 which sets out in detail the pay policy advocated by the Government. Copies of the statement have been placed in the Library. The Government statement was issued following consideration of statements issued in the preceding days by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federated Union of Employers.