Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to the provision of duty-free facilities for the purchase of motor vehicles by priests, religious federations and religious associations, I wish to inform the House that this measure was announced in the Budget

69 Speech 2024-2025 by the previous government. The measure was intended to provide duty- free facilities for the purchase of motor cars every seven years to those eligible. The eligibility criteria are as follows – 1. a priest registered with or employed by a religious federation receiving a government subsidy; 2. a priest registered with or employed by a religious association; 3. a priest registered with the Ministry of Arts and Culture, or 4. a religious federation employing priest and receiving a government subsidy. This measure is supported by amendments to the Excise Act via the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 and the Excise (Amendment of Schedule) (No. 4) Regulations 2024 with effect from 01 October 2024. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, while my Ministry was designated to implement this measure in collaboration with the Mauritius Revenue Authority, it is crucial to place this decision in its proper political and economic context. The timing of this measure raises serious questions. It was promulgated on 01 October 2024, just three days before the issue of the writ of election on 04 October 2024, and barely five weeks before the general elections on 10 November 2024. It is evident that this scheme was rushed through at the eleventh-hour by the outgoing government in a clear attempt to secure political favour and votes from specific segments of the population. This last-minute measure was introduced without any proper consultation, impact assessment and consideration of its fiscal implications at a time when the economic fundamentals were already under strain. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a)(i) of the question, I am informed that as at date, 38 applications have been received, out of which, only 31 applicants have submitted all the required documentations. With regard to part (a)(ii), no beneficiary has yet been granted the facility. This is mainly due to delays by applicants in submitting the complete set of required documents. In fact, seven applicants have still not done so. Moreover, by the time most documents were received, we were on the eve of the Budget 2025-2026. In light of the major reforms introduced in the Budget Speech 2025-2026, particularly with regard to vehicle taxation, traffic congestion and our foreign currency reserve, my

70 Ministry has been advised by the Ministry of Finance to seek a policy decision before any further action is taken. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that a technical committee has been constituted at the level of my Ministry to evaluate all applications and make recommendations for approval or non-approval. The committee is chaired by the Director of Culture and includes representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Local Government, the Registry of Association and the Mauritius Revenue Authority. I am further informed that only one meeting has been held so far on 23 January 2025 during which it was found that the majority of applications were incomplete and lack key documents. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, this Government remains firmly committed to promoting religious and socio-cultural harmony, but we will do so with fiscal discipline, equity and transparency. We believe public funds must be managed responsibly and fairly. The previous government’s approach of introducing last minute electoral incentive without due process is not in keeping with good governance. As such, the scheme is currently under consideration and a final decision will be taken shortly. Thank you.

Do you have one supplementary?

Two supplementary, please, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir!

Let us proceed one by one.

Yes, one by one. A delay of seven months is considerable, especially when it concerns priests, religious federations and associations. Would the hon. Minister inform the House the reason behind such a delay? Thank you.

I think I just explained the delay. It was because of the documents which have not been given to the Ministry.

Last one!

Last one. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Would the hon. Minister inform the House when the duty-free licences be expected to be issued? Thank you.

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Again, I already replied. I said that it is under consideration and a final decision will be taken shortly.

One question from you!

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I was following the reply of the Minister. Is it an established practice to have religious workers registered at the level of the Ministry of Arts and Culture?

I do not think so.

Okay! Can we proceed with the next question? The hon. Third Member for Pamplemousses and Triolet! SICOM – GROUP PENSIONS (TECHNICAL) MANAGER – QUALIFICATIONS & RECRUITMENT PROCESS