Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, according to United Nations and World Health Organisation, by 2050, nearly 75% of countries are expected to have fertility rates below replacement level, that is, 2.1 children per

30 women. In Mauritius, women continue to give birth to fewer children than in the past. The total fertility rate which is an indication of the average number of babies born to a woman during her childbearing period has maintained a general decreasing trend after 2002. In 2023, the fertility rate was 1.35. For the year 2024, the total fertility rate was estimated at 1.41 with 12,088 live births. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, fertility decisions are personal, yet shift by systemic factors such as the economic situation of a person, gender roles and cultural shifts. Moreover, risks of career disruption, child-care stress, social expectations may be a deterrent to pregnancy. The issue of low birth rate is very complex and requires a multisectoral approach. In this context, a multisectoral committee is being set up to look into the issues pertaining to increasing birth rate. The rising prevalence of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs particularly among young adults of reproductive age, poses a significant yet often overlooked threat to national fertility trends. Alcohol and tobacco disrupt the normal functioning of the reproductive systems of both men and women and contribute to reduced fertility. These substances also unfortunately cause poor pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriages or stillbirths which may discourage couples from planning a pregnancy. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that various measures have been taken by my Ministry which include among others, preconception care clinics have been set up in primary healthcare centres to educate women on the importance of planned pregnancies. A fertility clinic has been established at SSRN Hospital to address fertility issues. The attendance to this clinic was 462 since January 2024. Intrauterine insemination is currently being offered and the clinic has conducted 62 interventions since January 2024 so far. Maternity leave has been increased from 14 to 16 weeks and paternity leave of four weeks was introduced in the 2024 budget. Community Healthcare Officers conduct extensive canvassing and counselling for women of reproductive age in areas such as family planning, preconception care, premarital counselling and postpartum contraception, boosting antenatal services and providing resources like the maternal and child health handbook to guide parents and track health. Breastfeeding time is being allocated to breastfeeding mothers. Tobacco cessation clinics have been set up in the general hospitals and primary healthcare centres. 12 addiction treatment units, methadone substitution centres, detoxification and rehabilitation centres have been set up to address issues of alcohol and substance abuse in various health

31 centres across the island – Brown Sequard Mental Healthcare Centre and Montagne Longue Hospital among others. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am also informed that there are additional measures and services being provided by other Ministries, private health institutions and NGOs. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare is ensuring that free pre-primary education is provided to children aged between three to five years. The Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations and Employment, through the Workers’ Rights Act, in addition to Maternity Protection Schemes encourages flexi-time arrangements. The Mauritius Family Planning and Welfare Association is continuously creating awareness on declining birthrate in the community through sensitisation campaign, focus groups discussions, awareness among youths. The Gynaecology and Fertility Centre, which is situated in Rose Hill, is operational since 05 October 2007, provides services such assisted reproductive treatment. Harley Street Fertility Centre Mauritius Ltd, situated at Floréal, also provides fertility investigations and treatment. C-Care Fertility Clinic, located at C-Care Welkin, offers comprehensive range of fertility services such as in-vitro fertilization, frozen embryo transfer, intrauterine insemination, etc.

Yes, do you have one supplementary?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the question was addressed to the Minister of Social Security to talk about the measures of Government to address the birth rate which is in decline for years due to an ageing population. Nonetheless, will the hon. Minister, although he is not the substantive Minister, acknowledge that direct cash transfers are internationally recognised as the most…

(Interruptions)

The hon. Minister is replying to the question as a substantive Minister.

It does not matter! It was addressed to the Minister of Social Security.

32

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member: Lasanble sa ta!

No, no, no! This is a question to be addressed by him!

I will ask again. Will the hon. Minister acknowledge that direct cash transfers are internationally regarded as the most effective incentive for low-income families, especially? Countries like South Korea even pay Rs35,000 a month per family to encourage same.

Put your question!

Can the Minister, therefore, explain why this Government has instead chosen to completely phase out by 2028, every existing benefit in Mauritius, namely the CSG Income Allowance, the Child Allowance, the Independent Scheme Allowance…

Okay, your question!

(Interruptions)

…the Pregnancy Care Allowance, and the Maternity Care Allowance…

Your question! Question!

…even reducing allowances for children with disabilities by 26%!

(Interruptions)

Pa ler discour la !

How does he…

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, they have looted the country. You have not heard the Prime Minister’s answer? They have bled the country white! From where are we going to get billions of rupees to spend? We are doing whatever is possible, whatever is humanly possible. I have given you a comprehensive answer to the question!

Next question, B/666!

33

(Interruptions)

I have already called the question!

No, no, no, I have a supplementary.

I have already called B/666!

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member: Do not argue with the Chair!

Last time, you allowed 10 minutes to the PQ on Maradiva! You gave five or six supplementaries.

The reply…

(Interruptions)

May I exercise my right?

You can’t challenge my ruling!

(Interruptions)

I have said I have already called the other question! B/666, please!

On a point of order.

B/666!

On what basis are you now giving… An hon. Member: Asiz twa!

B/666!

To pa gagn drwa!

If you are not satisfied, you know what to do! You have been a Deputy Speaker, you know what to do if you are not satisfied with my ruling!

34

No, no, no! Not at all!

B/666!

This is highly biased!

B/666!

To pa gagn drwa donn lord ta!

B/666!

Rann kas!

Pa gagn drwa donn lord!

Rann nou larzan!

Hon. Ms Savabaddy!

(Interruptions)

Order! Order! Order! Hon. Ms Savabaddy, B/666! CHILD WITH BEHAVIOURAL CONCERNS – REPORTED CASES