I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 41, 68, 78 and 79 together.
I have maintained contact with the Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland and all the other partners in education throughout the current dispute. In addition, officials from my Department and the Department of Finance have recently been involved in discussions with the facilitator, Mr Tom Pomphrett. Following those discussions a proposal was issued by Mr. Pomphrett which has been accepted by both parties. A process has been agreed which will involve both parties requesting the Labour Court, acting on an ad hoc basis, to examine the ASTI claim in respect of teachers pay and the position of the Government in relation to the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and public service pay policy and to make recommendations to the parties for the resolution of the dispute. This process will get under way very shortly and in the circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on any matters in relation to the dispute.