asked the Minister for the Public Service the plans or proposals, if any, to improve industrial relations in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have invited the Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to discuss with me public service aspects of the national plan, Building on Reality, and the operation of the present machinery for pay determination. I would hope that such discussions would lead to positive proposals for the improvement of industrial relations in the public service.

Can the Minister inform the House when that meeting will take place?

I am not in a position to say. In reply to my initial invitation the group felt it might not be appropriate to meet with me in view of certain considerations. I replied to them and outlined in further detail the subject matter of what I hoped the discussions might cover. I am still awaiting a reply to that second letter.

Will the Minister be outlining the various proposals which he wished to make when he sought the meeting with the public service unions? I believe the Government are meeting the Congress committee next week. Will the Minister take that opportunity to outline his proposals?

If that were to be considered an appropriate occasion by the people participating in the discussions, I am sure the opportunity could be availed of.