Mr. Liam Berney:

As Deputy O'Reilly pointed out, when the sums are calculated, the rate of increase has not matched inflation. However, the results of the ballots from trade unions last week indicated that workers in the public sector are broadly in favour of the recommendations, and on that basis, we have given our indication to the Government. Nevertheless, the increased rate of pay in the public sector, and in particular the 3% from 1 March, came about as a review of the Building Momentum agreement, which was referred to. The trade union movement will not be shy in triggering the review if that is required on another occasion.