Madam Speaker, allow me with your permission to answer PQs B/289 and B/342 together as they both relate to the expenses in relation to the posts of ambassadors.

38

Yes, hon. Minister!

Madam Speaker, Section 87 of the Constitution of Mauritius provides for the ‘Appointment of principal representatives of Mauritius abroad’. As such, the power to appoint persons to hold offices of Ambassador, High Commissioner or other principal representative of Mauritius in any other country or accredited to any international organisation is vested in the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister. Madam Speaker, I am tabling the list of Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Permanent Representatives; their date of posting, qualifications and basic salary, dates of accreditation, and allowances. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (d) of the question, allow me to inform the House that all medical expenses are refunded to Ambassadors in line with provisions made in the PRB report and their contract of employment which are as follows – 90% of the amount of medical expenses be refunded for themselves, spouse and dependent children aged up to 20 years, subject to – (i) the production of duly signed and certified copies of medical certificates and prescriptions, invoices and receipts. (ii) The claim being submitted on the prescribed form as determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, duly signed by the officer making the claim and upon the recommendation of the head of mission. (iii) Medical bills falling within the protocol and guidelines approved by the Government. In case of hospitalisation for surgical intervention, medical expenses incurred in respect thereof are refunded in toto, subject to the conditions set out in the above provisions, to an officer, his or her spouse, dependent children aged up to 20 years and accompanying dependents of unmarried carrier diplomats upon their posting to overseas missions. There is also an exclusion list of treatments for which no refund is entertained, such as cosmetic treatments and contact lenses. I have, therefore, tabled the list of medical expenses refunded to Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Permanent Representatives.

39 Madam Speaker, with regard to PQ B/342, as per their roles and responsibilities, Ambassadors actively manage and maintain diplomatic relations between the home country and host countries as well as accredited countries. They also engage in political and economic negotiations and safeguard the home country’s interest in the host country. To be able to fulfil these obligations, Ambassadors are called upon to travel to various countries for the following reasons – (i) presentation of credentials to accredited countries and accredited international organisations; (ii) represent the President and the Prime Minister in summits and high-level meetings; (iii) represent ministers in conferences, meetings and negotiations, and (iv) attending national days and having bilateral meetings with foreign dignitaries. All overseas missions undertaken by Ambassadors need to have been approved by the Ministry. During their overseas mission, per diem is paid to Ambassadors, High Commissioners to cover the cost of accommodation, meals, internal transportation and other related expenses. The rate payable, which is approved by the Ministry of Finance, depends on the country which they are travelling to. Ambassadors based abroad are sometimes also required to travel to Mauritius for consultations in specific cases. For example, the presence of an ambassador may be required during high-level visits of foreign Presidents, Prime Ministers of countries to which the ambassador is accredited. Ambassadors are therefore paid a per diem of Rs7,340 per day for a maximum of 15 days to cover costs of accommodations and meals. Madam Speaker, with your permission, I am tabling two lists – (i) the first one pertaining to the period 2015-2019, and (ii) the second one for the records of 2020 to 2024. However, Madam Speaker, allow me to say that it has been highlighted that some politically appointed ambassadors as opposed to career ambassadors travelled to Mauritius in October 2024, just before the elections, on public funds, under the guise of urgent consultations, and were seen to be involved in election campaigns.

40 Further, the last Director of Audit Report has made mention of a number of adverse findings on a few politically appointed ambassadors who have made abuse of their privileges. For example, converting their annual and sick leaves into official duties whilst in Mauritius, thus benefiting from public funds, and some even extending their stay in Mauritius on disguised official missions while benefiting from chauffeur-driven cars at the expense of the government. The findings of the Director of Audit Report are being looked into by the Internal Audit Committee at the level of my ministry to take remedial actions. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, hon. Minister! One moment! One moment! I have an announcement to make.