asked the Minister for the Marine if the Government has considered the possibility of compensation for former Irish Shipping workers; if he has had or plans to have any talks with the former employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I understand that a plenary summons has issued in the names of six former employees of Irish Shipping Limited. In these circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on the matter.

It is now almost five years since these workers were dismissed without adequate compensation or pension entitlements. As the matter was raised in this House on at least four occasions since the beginning of 1987, and on each occasion it was stated in reply that the matter was under consideration by the Government and that the outcome of that consideration would be brought before the House at an early date, can the Minister state how much longer the former workers of Irish Shipping will have to wait to get their severance compensation and pension entitlements regularised? They are now five years without these entitlements.

The Deputy has made his point.

I understand the Deputy's concern. As I stated in my reply, because of the issue of the plenary summons, I am precluded from commenting further on the matter.

The Minister has been on record in this House as taking a very strong position on this. On 25 June 1985 he himself proposed a Private Members' Motion calling on the then Government to pay adequate compensation to the staff of Irish Shipping of six week's salary per year of service and to restore the pensions of these workers.

The Deputy is making a speech. He seemed to be imparting information rather than seeking it. If the Deputy has a relevant and pertinent question let him please put it.

Would the Minister not agree that the litigation could be avoided in this case if the Government took the action which it promised and which the Minister himself was in favour of some years ago and which is now five years overdue?

We are having repetition.

Does the Minister accept that litigation could be avoided by the Government taking action?

I appreciate the Deputy's concern but as the plenary summons has been issued, I am precluded from making any further comment.