Benchmarking was devised in secret and has been largely kept secret until now. We have not been given clear indications of real improvements that will take place in the public services. It is timely to have this debate before the Book of Estimates is published and the budget is announced towards the end of the year. We find ourselves in a position in which serious choices have to be made. In recent years, the Minister for Finance has proven himself to be a good Minister in good times. He is now being asked to take some serious decisions for the first time.