Madam Speaker, I am informed that recruitment and appointment exercises for local authorities fall under the responsibility of the Local Government Service Commission, which is an independent statutory body. I am further informed that under section 4 (2) of the Local Government Service Commission Act, the Commission shall not, in the exercise of its functions, be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. Accordingly, neither my Ministry nor I, as Minister of Local Government, can interfere in any matter falling within the statutory function or internal processes of the Commission, which operates under the Prime Minister's Office. Madam Speaker, I am informed that the recruitment exercises, referred to in the question, were carried out following the reconstitution of the Local Government Service Commission, after this Government took office in November 2024. I am further informed that concerns were subsequently raised regarding the manner in which certain appointment had been processed under the previous administration. Following this, and after consultation with the Attorney General's Office, advice was tendered to the effect that the appointment convened were tainted with nullity, procedurally improper and patently illegal. Consequently, I am informed that the employment of 1,463 employees, recruited on a temporary basis, was brought to an end on 15 June 2025, in accordance with the advice received and legal position prevailing at that time. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that a number of those employees challenged the decision before the Supreme Court and obtained interim relief, pending the determination of the matter. In view of the stay granted by the court, they were allowed to continue working until final judgment was delivered. I am informed that following the judgment of the Supreme Court on 23 January 2026, the termination process was implemented on 29 January 2026, in accordance with the decision of the court. Madam Speaker, I am also informed that, thereafter, fresh recruitment exercises were carried out by the reconstituted board of the LGSC in order to ensure continuity of the delivery of essential services within the local authorities. I am informed that these new recruitment exercises were conducted in accordance with the Local Government Service Commission Act, the relevant schemes of service and established procedures. Madam Speaker, I am informed that following those recruitment exercises, allegation and rumours of possible malpractice were again raised publicly. As the hon. Prime Minister stated in this House, a few weeks ago, the matter was looked into at the level of the Commission and the new chairperson, subsequently, tendered his resignation. However, I am informed that as matters presently stand, no inquiry has been initiated at the level of the LGSC in relation of these recruitment exercises. Subsequently, there is no inquiry report before my Ministry to be tabled, and there are no measures arising from any such report for my Ministry to state or envisage. I must also emphasise that since the Local Government Service Commission is a statutory body operating under its own legal framework and under the aegis of the Prime Minister's Office, my Ministry has no authority to intervene in its internal administrative matters or decision-making processes. In the absence of any active enquiry, there is, therefore, nothing before my Ministry for further action. I am not in a position to comment on any internal step which the Commission or any other competent authority may or may not contemplate in relation to the LGSC. Madam Speaker, I am, nevertheless, informed that ongoing recruitment exercises are being carried out with greater transparency, accountability and strict compliance with the law and established procedures. I am further informed that in order to reinforce transparency, efficiency and accountability, an e-recruitment system is being worked upon and is expected to be introduced as from early next year. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Yes, one!

Merci, Madame la présidente. J'ai une question pour le ministre. Ne serait-il pas judicieux d'annuler les récents exercices de recrutement et de faire appel à candidature où la méritocratie primera cette fois-ci sans l'intervention de qui que ce soit ? L'honorable ministre trouve-t-il normal qu'il y ait 323 au sein d'une collectivité locale ? Merci.

But he has explained it. There is a legal system.

Oui, Madame la présidente, mais la méritocratie n'a pas primé.

Peu importe. Le ministre, lui, n'est pas responsable. Okay, you want to reply?

Madam Speaker, I have already explained very clearly and explicitly.

Okay. Maybe we can have one more question. Ms Anquetil, yes! Deux supplémentaires ! Je l'ai dit, aujourd'hui, à tout le monde. J'ai dit deux à tout le monde ! CONSTITUENCY NO. 18 – DRAIN PROJECTS