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The Committee notes the Government's reply to its observation and previous direct requests.

1. Regarding the representation made by a number of Costa Rican trade union organisations, under article 24 of the Constitution of the ILO, alleging non-compliance with certain provisions of the Convention, namely non-payment to the People's Bank and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund of the employers' contributions due from the State (Article 71, paragraph 2, of the Convention) and non-revaluation of retirement pensions (Articles 65, paragraph 10, and 66, paragraph 8), the Committee notes with interest the conclusion, on 7 December 1988 (for a period of three years), of an agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Costa Rican Social Security Fund concerning the modalities for the reimbursement of the State debt in respect of the contributions in question. However, the Committee notes that the agreement provides for a reduction in the State's contribution to sickness and maternity insurance costs together with a comprehensive reform of the system for financing health care. The Committee hopes that such reform will not affect the application of the Convention and that in its next report the Government will be able to supply information on the implementation of the measures provided for in the above-mentioned agreement.

The Committee also notes the information provided on the review of the level of retirement pensions and requests the Government to continue to supply data on that subject, set out in the manner prescribed in the report form for the Convention, under Article 65, Title VI.

2. Regarding the comments made earlier on Part VIII (Maternity benefit), Article 52, the Committee notes with satisfaction that article 43 of the sickness and maternity insurance regulations was amended on 9 September 1987 (Official Gazette, No. 145, of 31 July 1987) to provide for maternity cash benefits to be granted for a period of four months.

Regarding the other points raised in its earlier comments, the Committee asks the Government to refer to the request addressed to it directly.