asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the EC is making proposals under the new European Company Statute for consultation and involvement of workers in companies; if he will indicate the Irish Government's attitude to these proposals; and if the Irish Government has undertaken consultations with trade unions and industrial representatives in regard to the matter.

The EC Commission has published a discussion document with a view to reviving its previous proposal for a European Company Statute, which has not been active for some years. I can confirm that this document addresses the question as to whether any amended proposal for a Statute which might emerge should contain provisions relating to worker participation.

I have consulted trade union, industrial and other interests in connection with the discussion document and the views received will be taken into account in formulating a national position. The Commission has requested that member states indicate their views on the discussion document by the end of this year and it is our intention to honour that request.

Why did the Minister not avail of the opportunity of this question to indicate to the House his views?

When all the consultation that is taking place at the moment is completed, I shall deal with it.

In view of the fact that the Minister proposes to announce his views before the end of the year, has he not already made up his mind and, if so, why will he not tell the House what his views are?

Of course, when I have made up my mind I will tell the House, but I have not.

When does he expect to make up his mind?

Between now and Christmas.

Could I ask the Minister who in recent days stated that there was a need for up-dating legislation, whether it was to this area that he was referring?

When I announced it? Was it somebody else?

I am not absolutely sure.

There are many areas in which we are constantly moving — company law area, for instance — to take on board EC directives as they come along.

This is with regard to industrial relations.

That is a matter for the Minister of Labour. That is probably what the Deputy is referring to.