the proposed introduction of a Freedom of Information Bill in the Assembly, as announced in the Government P…
(No. B/916) Mr K. Lobine (First Member for La Caverne & Phoenix) 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 the proposed introduction of a Freedom of Information Bill in the Assembly, as announced in the Government Programme 2025-2029, he will state where matters stand, indicating if consideration will be given for the wide public circulation thereof prior thereto.
Reply: As announced in the Government Programme 2024-2029, a Freedom of Information Act will be introduced to provide for more transparency in relation to the decisions of public institutions. I wish to apprise the House that my Government stands firmly by its commitment to come up with a Freedom of Information Act. However, the House will appreciate that a Freedom of Information Act is a complex and far-reaching piece of legislation, with significant legal and administrative implications. It is, therefore, important that such a piece of legislation be developed with due diligence and careful consideration. I am informed by the Attorney-General’s Office that exploratory work for the drafting of the Freedom of Information Bill has been initiated, which includes comparative research into the models adopted by other jurisdictions, particularly in small island developing states and countries of the Sub-Saharan African region. It is also worth highlighting that a previous working draft of such a Bill is being reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Office in light of recent developments both locally and internationally. The House may wish to note that drafting of such an important Bill cannot be done in isolation. The Freedom of Information Bill is closely linked to the work of the Constitutional Review Commission, whose establishment is imminent. The Constitutional Review Commission’s mandate will include the review and strengthening of fundamental rights,
137 including new-generation rights relating to technology, privacy, and access to information. It is, therefore, essential that the constitutional framework first provide clear recognition and scope for this right, so that any ensuing legislation, such as the Freedom of Information Act, rests on a sound constitutional foundation. The House will surely appreciate that both the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Commission and the proposal for a Freedom of Information Bill will entail wide and inclusive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, civil society, the media, and public institutions. MSAW – DOGS MICROCHIPPING – BIDDERS, CONTRACT & PROCUREMENT COST