What is noteworthy, but also a matter of concern, is the fact that Sustaining Progress is a very short-term arrangement which will last approximately 24 months. One cannot blame the unions for their reluctance to sign up to a longer-term agreement or arrangement, given the current economic volatility. Uncertainty was one of the keynotes in the Minister of State's contribution. There is a considerable amount of economic uncertainty and volatility in terms, for example, about what growth will be achieved in the economy. There is also considerable uncertainty about what will be the rate of inflation and the impact this will have the wage and taxation elements agreed in the programme.