24 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps being taken to avert the strike threatened by staff in the pro bation and welfare service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6084/02]

My Department has been involved in discussions with the union concerned. It would be inappropriate for me to go into detail about an ongoing industrial relations matter. However, proposals for resolution of the issues which led to the threat of industrial action have been put to the union.