Hello list, Let's say I have select a, b, c from t1 (union/minus/intersect) select a, b , c from t2 Is there any way to avoid the sort unique step (for each table) that takes place before the execution of the set operation? A unique index maybe or by having the tables sorted by the columns used in the select statement? I don't have a database around to test it, that's why I'm asking. Thanks for your help. -- Regards GBA