Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that under section 14 of the Higher Education Act, any institution that establishes itself in Mauritius and offers higher education courses is required to be registered with the Higher Education Commission before it can update or advertise programmes locally. In regard to Bircham International University (Spain), I am advised by HEC as follows – • BIU is not registered in Mauritius as a higher education institution; • It has never submitted an application for registration to HEC; • Consequently, it does not appear on the official register of the Higher Education Institution maintained by HEC under the Act; Consequently, for overseas institutions that are not on the registered list established by HEC, HEC relies on the structured process for determining whether the qualifications may be recognised. First, the Higher Education Commission checks its database of overseas universities and institutions whose qualifications have been evaluated and recognised previously. If the institution does not appear in the database, then HEC formally conserves the competent authorities in the country where the institution claims to be established; normally, the National QA Accreditation or Higher Education Authority. In the specific case of the BIU, I am informed by the Higher Education Commission that it is neither registered in Mauritius nor is it on the existing list of overseas institutions already recognised by HEC.

62 Consequently, HEC has written to the relevant Spanish Authorities to seek formal confirmation of the legal status and recognition of BIU in Spain. At this point in time, the Commission is awaiting a written reply.

Yes, now, we have hon. Seeburn. BAMBOUS VIRIEUX TO POINTE DU DIABLE – RESURFACING WORKS – GEOTECHNICAL/DRAINAGE ASSESSMENT