the digitalisation of the justice system as announced in the Budget Speech 2025-2026, he will state if funds…
(No. B/735) Ms M. R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues) asked the Attorney-General whether, in regard to the digitalisation of the justice system as announced in the Budget Speech 2025-2026, he will state if funds have been specifically allocated for the acquisition and implementation of real-time transcription software or digital court reporting systems and, if so, indicate the – (a) timeline envisaged for the deployment thereof; (b) expected outcome thereof in terms of improved efficiency of court proceedings and case backlog reduction, and (c) training and capacity-building of judicial and court officers for optimum output.
Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Master and Registrar of the Supreme Court that a budget of Rs2 million has been allocated for the procurement of transcription software that will enable the real-time transcription of audio-recordings of Court proceedings in English, French and Kreol. The hon. Member will be pleased to note that an additional sum of Rs2 million has also been allocated for the implementation of a bundle project for Rodrigues which will combine a digital Court recording system with a video-conferencing facility. As regard the timeline, the deployment of the transcription software is expected to begin in February 2026 and be completed by August 2026. The project for the Rodrigues Court is scheduled to start in January 2026 and is expected to be completed by June 2026. As regards part (b) of this question, we are indeed implementing these changes to improve the efficiency of the judicial system. At present, obtaining transcripts of proceedings can take several months and their unavailability often leads to the postponement of cases and judgments. Since the new transcription system will be automated and produce output in real-time, we can reasonably expect significant time-savings.
45 Regarding the backlog of cases, Madam Speaker, we anticipate that existing recordings will also be fed into the system which will help to expedite matters. However, the issue of backlog is multidimensional and must also be addressed through improved staffing and better organisational solutions for our Courts, areas which this government is fully committed to tackle. This brings me, Madam Speaker, to part (c) of the question, the practical implementation of these reforms will be crucial as the system must operate efficiently with appropriate hardware, regular maintenance and staff who are properly trained to use it. In this regard, I am informed by the Master and Registrar, that training programmes will be delivered to all relevant officers in due course to ensure the optimal use of the new systems.
Thank you, hon. Attorney General. Happy?
Yes.
The Fourth Member for Rodrigues, Mr Edouard. STATE TRADING CORPORATION – ANIMAL FEED IMPORTATION – RODRIGUES BREEDERS