THE FULL-YEAR cost of benchmarking was in the region of €1.2 billion, Brian Cowen told the Dáil.

“All payments made were based on various efficiencies and improvements,” said the Taoiseach.

He was responding to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny who asked about the cost of the public service pay mechanism to his department, and if Mr Cowen thought it satisfactory that pay awards were given without efficiencies being made contingent upon them.

He challenged Mr Cowen to give instances of increased efficiencies as a result of the awards made.

Mr Cowen replied: “I do not have that information before me, but I make the general point that industrial peace continued throughout that period.

“Certain payments were made where the basis for them was adhered to and, where it was not adhered to, the payments were not made.” Mr Kenny said the Taoiseach did not have the information before him because there was none.

The discussion about time off for the cashing of pay cheques paid electronically should have taken place under benchmarking, he added.

Mr Kenny asked if a review of the traditional privilege days at Christmas and Easter had commenced.

Mr Cowen said he could reply to such issues if specific questions were tabled. “If the deputy is suggesting that benchmarking was provided on the basis of no change, he is not correct.”

“The Revenue online service was a result of the benchmarking process.”