asked the Taoiseach if it is proposed to refer the question of salaries and wage matters to the National Industrial Economic Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Industrial Economic Council.
3.
If the Deputy's question relates to the subject matter of my letters of 11th November to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Federated Union of Employers, the answer to the first part of his question is in the negative.
As the House was informed by the Minister for Finance on 23rd October, the National Industrial Economic Council is at present engaged in an examination of the Second Programme for Economic Expansion. Apart altogether from this fact, I consider that, in present circumstances, the National Employer-Labour Conference is the appropriate forum in which to negotiate a national wage and salary agreement.