asked the Minister for the Public Service if, in view of his welcome for the statesmanlike proposals of the spokesmen for the trade union movement for the introduction of a tripartite arrangement for a national understanding on salaries, employment etc., he is prepared to initiate discussions on these proposals with a view to creating orderly and sensible structures in an area which is vital to the economic and social welfare of the country.

This question is being dealt with by the Minister for Labour since it is more appropriate to his area of responsibility.