I propose to take Questions Nos. 272, 282 and 285 together.
A dispute arose in Carlow Institute of Technology in relation to a contract of a part-time member of the academic staff. The dispute lead to the imposition of an overtime ban by the Teachers Unions of Ireland.
This action was suspended to allow further talks to take place between the institute management and the TUI. These discussions were chaired by an official from my Department who put forward proposals for consideration by both sides. The TUI is unhappy with some aspects of the proposals and have indicated to the institute that they are to resume the overtime ban and have also decided to escalate industrial action by withholding examination results until 18 June 1999.
On my Department's request, the TUI agreed to defer any further action for one week to allow further examination of the proposals. My Department is still involved in discussions with both parties in an effort to resolve this matter.