cannabis, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the National Agency for Drug Control, informati…
(No. B/1183) Mr A. Duval (Fourth Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to cannabis, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the National Agency for Drug Control, information as to whether consideration will be given to requesting the technical committee that will be set up to work on the depenalisation thereof to consider same for recreational use and, if not, why not.
Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Drug Control that the Drug Control Board, at its fourth meeting held on 16 October of this year, decided to set up a Technical Committee comprising experts in public health, the criminal justice system, fiscal policy, neuroscience, addiction medicine, harm reduction and representatives from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, to conduct a comprehensive review of the three proposed technical models on the regulation of cannabis, namely – • Depenalisation; • Decriminalisation, and • Regulated Legalisation.
30 As part of its preparatory work, the Agency has initiated discussions with the UNODC and the WHO for Mauritius to benefit from specialised expertise and ensure that the review is fully aligned with global best practices and public health standards. In parallel, consultations are being held with the Attorney General’s Office to address the legal complexities associated with the three proposed models and to determine the precise legislative drafting requirements for any future implementation within the Mauritian legal framework. Madam Speaker, the Technical Committee is planning to meet in January 2026 and will produce a legal brief outlining the domestic requirements and the international treaty compliance options for the regulation of cannabis. In parallel, from January to March 2026, an assessment of the public health impacts will be carried out to identify the most equitable and effective model. It is expected that a draft blueprint and proposed administrative framework will be submitted by July 2026.
Yes!
Madam Speaker, why is it that the Technical Committee has been set up but that the Select Committee of Parliament which was promised by Alliance du Changement comprising Members of both sides of the House to assist, to give views, and to, of course, deliberate on the issues of the drug problem and to make recommendation to that entity. Why is it that this part has not been done and you have proceeded with the Technical Committee?
I believe that they wanted to have expert opinions first before addressing that issue with the Parliament.
May I ask then, Madam Speaker, when will that Select Committee then see the light of day so that Members of Parliament can also participate in this national problem?
Yes!
That does not depend on me. It depends on when they will…
But you are not saying ‘no’?
I am not saying no.
Yes, you are not saying ‘no’. That’s it.
31 Hon. Jhummun! Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac.
Madam Speaker, please!
I have already called the hon. Member.
But, please.
Please, you cannot. I have already called the hon. Member. You had two supplementary questions. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS – BANK CHARGES, FEES & COLLATERAL SECURITIES – REVIEW