asked the Taoiseach if he will give details of the content and outcome of his recent discussions with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ICTU Discussions.
2.
As the discussions which I had with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on 10 March 1980 were confidential I regret that I can only refer the Deputy to the jointly agreed statement which was issued after the meeting.
Even if one were to accept that they were confidential, the discussions were in connection with the national understanding, and would the Taoiseach agree it would be reasonable to assume that at the discussions ICTU conveyed their deep concern at lack of progress on a number of matters covered by the understanding—for instance, the delay in not establishing a public enterprise agency, the Government's economic policy not being geared to job creation, the deep concern of congress at the shortfall in job creation in 1979 and the absence so far of a White Paper on education?
I should very much like to comment on the various matters the Deputy has raised but I feel precluded from doing so. I have had a number of discussions with congress and groups and subcommittees of congress which I value very much. They can be much more valuable to me and to congress if their confidentiality is preserved.
Does the Taoiseach not agree that a question of major commitment in the national understanding which has not been met by the Government is a matter of serious concern not only to congress but to Members of the House and the public in general, and that it could seriously affect prospects of a constructive understanding between the trade union movement, employers and the Government in the future?
I do not accept the Deputy's contention in regard to these areas. If he wishes to raise these matters he should do so directly through the various avenues and channels open to him and not be using the valuable and constructive discussions I have had with congress to raise the matter here in this way.
Does the Taoiseach agree, or has the situation changed since he became Taoiseach, that this is one of the most effective channels open to me as an elected representative?
Then the Deputy should put down questions directly to me and not in the context of confidential conversations with congress.
Until the Taoiseach so informed me a few moments ago I was unaware of the confidential nature which he claims——
I accept that.
I insist these are relevant matters to Members of this House and that there is a responsibility on the Taoiseach to answer them.