I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 241, inclusive, together.
The Labour Court, acting on an ad hoc basis, held a formal hearing on the issues in the ASTI dispute on 9 February at which it received both written and oral submissions from the ASTI and Departments of Education and Science and Finance. The court's examination of the issues in the dispute is continuing and they have indicated to the ASTI that their finding will be available by 10 March. All parties should await the outcome of the Labour Court's examination and give full consideration to its recommendations when they are received.
There is an agreed conciliation and arbitration scheme for teachers through which issues affecting the pay and conditions of service of teachers are processed. Issues are discussed at a Teachers'