Regarding public sector pay, the agreement provides for a pay increase of 7% over 18 months, with an initial six-month pay pause. In addition to this increase, the award recommended by the public service benchmarking body will also be implemented as agreed. An important condition of the payment of the general rounds and the final two phases of the benchmarking increases for each sector, organisation and grade is that they are dependent on co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change. That means satisfactory implementation of the agenda for modernisation, maintenance of stable industrial relations and absence of industrial action in respect of any matters covered by the new agreement. Payment is dependent on verification of satisfactory achievement of these provisions. While some might argue – rightly so – that the deal on benchmarking has been generous, the conditions attached are equally strong. We have to see a better return on the other side.