541 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that care workers providing services for those with a learning disability in residential homes are not getting the same rates of pay as other care workers looking after disturbed children; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that an industrial dispute is threatened; and the steps which are being taken to resolve this dispute. [1700/02]

664 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children the circumstances surrounding a written commitment to care workers in the intellectually disabled sector which was not fulfilled; and his proposals to accommodate these workers. [2464/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 541 and 664 together.

I understand that the Labour Court is examining this issue and has undertaken to issue an adjudication very shortly, following hearings held on the 23 and 28 January last.