Madam Speaker, immediately, upon receipt of the Director of Audit Report for the financial year 2024-25, the Ministry of Finance has carried out a comprehensive review of the issues raised in the report. With regard to part (a) of the question, the Ministry of Finance has, on 20 March 2026, issued a Circular to Supervising Officers and Accounting Officers urging them to take appropriate measures to effectively address the issues raised and implement the recommendations set out in the Report and which are justified. More specifically, Ministries and Departments will have to take immediate and appropriate actions to – (a) determine the root causes of these issues; (b) examine why they were not adequately addressed and the recommendations were not implemented; (c) implement corrective measures without delay, and (d) designate a responsible officer to oversee and monitor the implementation of these measures. Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Finance has issued another Circular on 27 March 2026 to call upon Supervising Officers and Accounting Officers to exercise greater oversight over the statutory bodies under their responsibility, with a view to addressing, again, the issues raised in the Director of Audit Report. Supervising Officers should ensure that these statutory bodies operate in accordance with national policies, comply with applicable regulatory and financial requirements, and deliver public services efficiently and effectively. Madam Speaker, allow me to cite one example from the 2024-2025 Report of the Director of Audit with regard to the Mauritius Prison Service. A contract for the installation of CCTV Cameras at the Beau Bassin Prison was awarded for an amount of Rs13.3 million. This contract was awarded to Contractplus Ltd, whose CEO is one Mr Ashley Ittoo, former MSM Member of Parliament. This contractor stopped responding to any request from the Mauritius Prison Service. As per the Audit Report, no legal advice has been sought regarding this non-compliance. This is a clear case of negligence by design. This matter will now be dealt with shortly. Government will not allow such situation to persist. This Government intends to take decisive and forward-looking measures to address the shortcomings highlighted in the Audit Report in a durable and meaningful manner, ensuring lasting impact and tangible improvements. Madam Speaker, we have seen, over the years, the same thing keeps happening. It cannot be business as usual. Government has decided to set up a National Accountability Enforcement Authority (NAEA). This institution will examine findings and recommendations arising from the reports of the entities, including Public Accounts Committee, National Audit Office/Director of Audit, Audit Committee, Internal Audit and Office of Public Sector Governance. Our aim is to put in place a powerful system to reduce unjustified and irresponsible behaviour as well as waste of resources in the public sector. It will also investigate departures from legislations, regulations, procedures and best practices by institutions and public officers referred by the Prime Minister’s Office. Following the tampering of the figures in the budget by the previous government, Government has requested for technical assistance from the IMF for preparing and implementing the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The National Accountability Enforcement Authority will be given the mandate to ensure compliance with the forthcoming Fiscal Responsibility Act, including an assessment of the macroeconomic assumptions. Relevant legislations will, therefore, be amended so that following the submission of the report of the National Audit Office, the Director of Audit submits an additional report focusing on the most important findings and recommendations. This will make it easier to impose sanctions where necessary. Abusive practices and waste of public resources should not become recurrent and chronic. In addition, copies of all qualified audit reports of government owed companies and statutory bodies will be submitted to the National Accountability Enforcement Authority for investigation and remedial actions. The National Accountability Enforcement Authority will be headed by a Director General and it will be conferred sufficient powers to convene Heads of Public Institutions, obtain relevant information in view of investigation and application of administrative sanctions. Furthermore, as announced in the Government Programme 2025-2029, to foster greater transparency and accountability, the mandate of the Public Accounts Committee will be broadened. I will come up with proposals for consideration by the House. With regard to part (b) of the question, the introduction of Performance-Based Budgeting has provided Government with a powerful tool to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the use of public funds. The PBB sets out Key Performance Indicators, which ministries and departments have to achieve. This is compelling ministries and departments to review their processes, eliminate wasteful and sub-optimal practices, and improve service delivery.

Thank you. Yes, hon. A. Duval!

May I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to the Public Accounts Committee, which he referred to, may I know when does Government envisage to amend the Standing Orders to allow the report of the Public Accounts Committee to be scrutinised by the House in debates, as was promised?

This should have been done even before.

Yes, but…

I do not know why it was not done. I mentioned that in my answer that we are going to set up a National Accountability Enforcement Authority, which will also link with the Public Accounts Committee.

Yes, alright. Hon. Rookny!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Can the hon. Prime Minister please advise the House on how would change be brought about if the same senior public officials are maintained in office or are merely shifted in-between ministries, whereby each one covers their friends? Thank you.

Unless we sack them, we cannot do otherwise. They are here. An hon. Member: They are here to stay!

Madam Speaker, may I?

Yes, it must be related to the question.

Yes. In fact, I am going back to the question I asked. My question was with regard to the amendment of Standing Orders to allow for the debate.

Yes.

He answered about something else. May I ask again?

No, we got the answer that it is coming!

No, he did not say that.

Okay! Hon. Prime Minister!

Yes…

Yes, I heard. We will go through the Standing Orders Committee. Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger! NATIONAL ASSEMBLY – KREOL MORISIEN – PROPOSED INTRODUCTION