the football academy for kids between 7 to 17 years old, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain infor…
(No. B/1205) Mr C. Lukeeram (Third Member for Mahebourg & Plaine Magnien) asked the Minister of Youth and Sports whether, in regard to the football academy for kids between 7 to 17 years old, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to whether consideration will be given for the waiver of the fees payable to the Mauritius Sports Council for the training sessions.
Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for this question which gives me an opportunity to clarify the situation regarding the use of facilities under the purview of the Mauritius Sports Council by football academies, especially for young people aged 7 to 17.
48 Madam Speaker, the football academies referred to in the question, are for the most part private initiatives operating independently of my Ministry. Madam Speaker, I am informed that only one private academy, the Mahebourg Fire Academy, is presently making use of the facilities of the Mauritius Sports Council for its training sessions. With regard to the fees payable, I wish to reassure the House that the Mauritius Sports Council does not charge any rental fees at all for the training session of this academy. The only cost that arises is overtime for handy workers and that applies only when the academy uses the ground outside normal operating hours. I am informed that the rate varies, depending on the grade of the officer and whether the activities are held on week days or weekend. Therefore, Madam Speaker, the question of waiving rental fees does not arise because there are no rental fees being charged in the first place.
Yes, Mr Lukeeram!
Thank you, hon. Minister. Could the hon. Minister inform the House whether he would consider waiving the user fees?
Madam Speaker, since assuming office, I have always thought to democratise access to our sports facilities. However, today in the light of the State-of-the- Economy, the Ministry of Finance has opined that waiving of users’ fees will have an adverse impact on revenue generating capacity and be counterproductive to fiscal consolidation. The payment of fees, even minimum, develop a sense of belongingness while using the sport facilities and help to sensitise users towards a proper behaviour in the use of public infrastructure. In addition, the revenue being generated contributes towards the maintenance of the sports infrastructure.
Yes, Mr Juman! Welcome back!
Merci, Madame la présidente. Je peux demander à l’honorable ministre si dans le processus de promouvoir le football si ce n’est pas nécessaire, un must, pour exempter les écoles de foot de tous les frais ? Pour promouvoir le football, c’est un must !
Les écoles de foot !
49
I am glad that the hon. Member asked that question because like I just replied, I made a demand to the Ministry of Finance but, unfortunately, with the State-of- the-Economy, we cannot do that for the time being, probably the next budget, we are going to see.
Ce n’est pas lui qui décide. Vous voyez. Hon. Members, we are going to break in a minute. May I tell you that I have been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/1176, B/1208, B/1214, B/1215, B/1219, B/1224, B/1229, B/1232. Now we break. Now we can chat. Now we break until a little bit after 2.30 p.m. At 1.03 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 2.37 p.m., with Madam Speaker on the Chair.
Please be seated. Hon. Second Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle. RIVIÈRE DES CRÉOLES COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE – DENTAL SERVICES