asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will clarify if he has now re-appointed the arbitrator to the various arbitration boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Government have re-appointed the chairman of the Civil Service Arbitration Board for the period up to 31 December 1986. The same person has been appointed chairman of the arbitration board under the Local Government and Health Services Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme for a similar period.

Terms for a 25th round pay agreement similar to those under consideration by the staff sides of the Civil Service and local authority conciliation and arbitration schemes have been offered at conciliation to the representative associations under the Garda Síochána scheme. Depending on progress towards an agreement on pay I, and my colleague the Minister for Justice, will bring the question of the re-appointment of the arbitrator under this scheme before the Government if and when it becomes appropriate to do so.

No decision has yet been taken by the Government on the question of the re-appointment of the chairman of the Teachers' Arbitration Board.

Will the reappointment of the chairman of the Civil Service Arbitration Board be considered by the Government when the Minister receives a reply to the offer made for the 25th round?

The arbitrator has been appointed in relation to that board. My statement was in relation to the Garda Síochána Board.

Is the Minister saying that the Civil Service arbitrator has been formally reappointed?

Yes.