Madam Speaker, during the period 2015 to 2024, our country has witnessed a gradual decline of the horse racing industry, lack of trust and public confidence, allegations of race fixing, cases of doping, animal mistreatment, the pitiful state of the race tracks, infrastructure and other amenities, and finally, dwindling in the number of people attending the races at Champ de Mars. This situation has been created because of the main mise of the MSM Government and its cronies. As I have said in my previous replies, the Gambling Regulatory Authority, which was supposed to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, had also lamentably failed in its mission and objectives as spelled out in the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act. It had developed an incestuous relationship with the gambling mafia. As the House is aware, Madam Speaker, under the previous Government, the Gambling Regulatory Authority Board had delegated its powers and functions.

(Interruptions)

Chut! Chut!

I wish hon. A. Duval would listen. Look at this – the Gambling Regulatory Authority Board delegated its powers and functions regarding horse racing to the Horse Racing Division, which was engaged in the process of organising the racing activities. The latter had failed categorically to perform its functions, rendering the horse racing sector to become prone to corruption and malpractices. As such, the reputation of the sector was tarnished, making it less prominent, and this has resulted in the lack of public confidence in the integrity of the horse racing industry. The Horse Racing Integrity Division was created after recommendations made by the Committee on Revamping of the Horse Racing Industry in 2025. The Horse Racing Division was consequently dismantled and the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act was amended and a new Division, namely the Horse Racing Integrity Division, was set up for horse racing. I am further informed, Madam Speaker, that the Horse Racing Integrity Division, as per its mandate, is dedicated to regulate and monitor the organisation and activities of horse racing in Mauritius and to ensure not only integrity and transparency, but also to protect the public at large. I am informed, Madam Speaker, by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that 23 officers are posted to the Horse Racing Integrity Division. There are five officers employed on a pensionable and permanent basis. Two officers are under employment contract, and the remaining 16 officers are under service contract. According to the Workers' Right Act, a full-time worker is defined as someone who works at least 45 hours per week. I am informed by the GRA that on that basis, out of the 23 officers, 15 are full-time and the remaining 8 are part-time. I am tabling, in respect of each post, whether it is full-time or part-time, the associated salaries, allowances, bonuses, and any other emoluments.

Yes!

Merci, Madame la présidente. L'honorable Premier ministre peut-il dire à la Chambre si le ministère des Finances compte procéder à un audit ou une enquête interne concernant l'efficacité, l'intégrité et la gestion financière de la HRID et dans l'affirmative, les conclusions seront-elles déposées sur la table de l’Assemblée ?

This, what you mentioned, the HRID falls under the Board of the GRA. It is for them to do.

Yes!

Une dernière question, Madame la présidente. L'honorable Premier ministre peut-il préciser à la Chambre si certains employés de la HRID occupent simultanément des fonctions dans d'autres institutions publiques ou privées et si c'est le cas, de préciser qui ils sont ?

I am not aware of this, Madam Speaker, but I will have to look into that.

You will find out?

Yes, I will find out.

Yes. Good. I will have a last question. Hon. Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac! AIR MAURITIUS LTD – STRATEGIC PARTNER – SHORTLISTED PARTNERS