In 2002, the Labour Court recommended that Bord Gais Eireann and Manufacturing, Science, Finance discuss the performance appraisal scheme with a view to reaching agreement by the end of March 2003. The union said the company had withheld part of the agreed 2001 bonus, with an average 94.5% paid, and had sought discussions on performance management. The company said payout depended on personal scorecards. The Court said consultations had taken place but an agreement had not been reached. The recommendation was signed on 12 December 2002.