First, on the Deputy’s earlier comments, we want a de-escalation of all violence in the Middle East. We do not accept or approve of any breaches of international law in terms of the bombing of innocent Gazans and the killing of children and women as a result of the indiscriminate bombing that is currently going on.

In respect of the section 39 organisations, pay negotiations and discussions do not get mentioned in budget statements generally. There is a public service pay agreement due and that will have to be negotiated with the unions. Likewise, in terms of section 39 organisations, the Deputy will be aware that negotiations had taken place, an offer had been made and it was not deemed acceptable.

See this speech in context