Madam Speaker, in line with Section 6 of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act, the Board of the Independent Broadcasting Authority was reconstituted on 22 December of last year. With your permission, I am tabling its composition, including the qualifications of the Chairperson and members, as well as the remuneration allowances drawn. With regard to part (b) of the question, Section 11 of the Independent Broadcasting Authority Act provides for the appointment of a Director on such terms and conditions, as it thinks fit. On 20 January 2026, Mrs Marzeenah Bibi Hossenally was appointed as Director of the IBA on a contractual basis for a period of two years and she assumed duty on 02 March 2026. Mrs Hossenally holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Mauritius and a Masters in Business Administration in Innovation and Leadership, awarded with distinction by the Ducere Global Business School of Australia. The Director of the IBA is paid a monthly salary of Rs163,250, plus a monthly extra duty allowance of Rs25,000. The other terms of conditions of her appointment are in line with the recommendations contained in the PRB report.

Yes.

May I ask for three supplementaries?

Do one. Let us start by one.

The first, Madam Speaker, is with regard to Section 11. Is the hon. Prime Minister aware – he has quoted from section 11– that the IBA is to independently appoint its Director? Contrary to ICTA, for example, where the hon. Prime Minister has a say, it is not the case. Does he find it, therefore, proper that this independent appointment has been done on 20 January 2026, following a memo from the Cabinet Secretary proposing that person be appointed? Is that proper in upholding the independence of that institution?

If we do not remind them, there is going to be no one. Then, they will say there is delay. We had to ask that they proceed with the appointment.

May I ask another question?

Yes!

Madam Speaker, it is again the question of independence. Is the hon. Prime Minister aware that one of the board members, Mr G. V., is presently involved in a litigation with two licensees of the IBA and sits on the board? Does he find it proper to uphold the independence of the IBA?

Again, Madam Speaker, ...

Are you aware?

No. But it is the board which decides, not me! It is the board.

He is a board member, and he is presently sitting on a board where there are two licensees of the IBA involved; him as well...

Do not repeat!

...as a defendant in a Supreme Court case.

Yes, do not repeat! Can you have a look into this?

I will ask the Board to have a look at it.

Madam Speaker, I have a last one.

Yes. Allez-y!

Madam Speaker, the last question. And this, I am not making it personal. But there was a decision in 2016 for certain qualification to be held by the Director; it seems that this Director and this was confirmed in the 2022 Salaries Commissioner Report that the person, the incumbent should have a Master in Law, as well as five years’ experience in a senior position in either journalism or broadcasting journalism. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether this has been reviewed and if so, can we have the date?

Are you aware of all this?

All I know, Madam Speaker, is the Board decided that she is qualified to act as Director.

Okay, next question. Yes, hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière.

B/865, please.

(Interruptions)

That was personal.

Chut! Let the hon. Prime Minister reply, please. HORSE RACING INTERGRITY DIVISION – STAFFING – REMUNERATION & BENEFITS