asked the Minister for Energy the instructions he has issued to the ESB regarding pay policy for the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The most recent communication to the ESB on pay policy was one issued by my predecessor following the previous Government's statement on pay of 18 September 1986.

The present Government's position on pay policy for the coming year has been set out in the financial statement of the Minister for Finance of 31 March 1987 when introducing his budget for this year, of which all State bodies will, of course, be aware.

Can the Minister tell us which reported statement of the Minister for Finance applies? Is it the one that the ESB could pay an increase if they were in a position to do so, or is it the one that they must fall within the previous Government's guidelines of zero per cent for six months and 3 per cent for the following 12 months?

I have already referred to the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance. A meeting is taking place today between the Minister for Finance and the Public Service, the Minister for Labour and the unions involved. It would be improper for me to go into any further details in this House.

(Limerick East): Does the Minister intend to communicate with the chairman of the ESB?

I am sorry, Deputy. Yesterday I co-operated with you in breaking the rules governing this type of question. It would be rather remiss of me if I were to do the same today having discovered my folly. Only Deputies who have tabled questions are entitled to ask supplementaries.

(Limerick East): I thought we had established a new precedent yesterday.

No new precedent was established.