46 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Health his views on the increase in the number of food poisoning cases as reported in the Sunday Tribune on 20 April 1997. [11132/97]

49 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he is taking to resolve the dispute involving environmental health officers in view of reports in a Sunday newspaper on 20 April 1997, linking the dispute to an increase in the number of cases of food poisoning. [11153/97]

Limerick East): I wish to take Questions Nos. 46 and 49 together.

IMPACT, on behalf of environmental health oficers, withdrew from negotiations which were being pursued under clause 2 (iii) — Annex 1 of the Programme for Competitiveness and Work and pursued industrial action in the form of a “work-to-rule” with effect from 15 January 1996.