Taxpayers have a right to expect that, in return for the substantial increases in the public service pay bill – in the region of €2 billion – arising from the new agreement and benchmarking, they will get a better public service, free from interruption from disputes. In the context of the need for industrial peace, the Government is concerned about current instances of industrial action in the public service in contravention of the agreement. If the stability which was sought and negotiated in the agreement is to be delivered, it is important that these disputes are resolved.