It is important that we outline the background to this debate. The benchmarking process commenced in October 2000. An increase of 21.5% was awarded between that date and October 2002, under the programme at the time. The benchmarking body was established, at a time when there was a certain amount of industrial unrest, to buy peace and harmony. The body was charged with comparing public sector wages to those in the private sector at a time of economic boom.