Madam Speaker, transparency in recruitment in the public service is crucial to ensure fairness, meritocracy, and public confidence in government institutions. Several measures have been implemented to enhance transparency. The Public Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission are bodies responsible for recruitment, appointment and promotion in the public service. Their independence helps prevent political interference and ensures that decisions are taken impartially. Each post, Madam Speaker, in the public service is governed by a scheme of service, which clearly outlines the qualifications, experience, and skills required. Candidates are assessed through structured interviews, and in some cases, written examinations. This ensures that the selection is based on the above criteria and principles of meritocracy. The E-Recruitment Systems at the Public Service Commission and the Disciplined Forces Service Commission allow vacancies to be advertised online and candidates can submit applications electronically. This ensures equal opportunity and allows better tracking of applications, thus reducing the risk of manipulation. In addition, the standardised recruitment procedures applied across ministries and departments include clear guidelines for shortlisting interviewing and the final selection, which promote consistency and fairness. As laid down in the Government Programme 2025-2029, my Government is committed to undertake major reforms to ensure that recruitment and promotion in the public sector are conducted in an enhanced and transparent and fair manner. To that effect, the Public Service Commission is developing a modernised E- Recruitment System not only to receive online application, but also to carry out the automatic screening of applications to determine the eligibility of candidates. The Local Government Service Commission is working on an E-Recruitment System which will be introduced, I believe, early next year. My Government will also introduce clear and standardised selection criteria and strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure full accountability throughout the recruitment process. Furthermore, in view of the undue delays in the filing of vacancies, again, the Public Service Commission will re-engineer its administrative processes to expedite the recruitment process. With regard to part (b) of the question, Government remains resolute in ensuring that meritocracy prevails and that no form of discrimination arises in employment. In this respect, following preliminary consultations aimed at identifying the necessary amendments to be brought to the Equal Opportunities Act, my office has approached the Law Reform Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the legal framework with a view to strengthening the powers of the Equal Opportunities Commission. The Law Reform Commission has, accordingly, submitted a Discussion Paper entitled "Strengthening the Powers of the Equal Opportunities Commission", which provides an in- depth review of the Equal Opportunities Act and its interaction with the Workers' Rights Act 2019, and proposes a series of reforms aimed at reinforcing the legal and institutional framework governing equality in Mauritius. The proposals put forward include, inter-alia – (i) the extension of the definition of status under the Act, and (ii) an improved coordination between the Equal Opportunities Commission and relevant institutions. The Discussion Paper also contains an Equal Opportunities (Amendment) Bill in draft form provided for enhanced enforcement powers, including sanctions in cases of non- compliance. Consultations have, accordingly, been initiated with key stakeholders, and the views received are currently being consolidated with a view to finalising the appropriate legislative and policy measures. Madam Speaker, the Public Bodies Appeal Tribunal also acts as an oversight mechanism on decisions taken by the Public Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission. Its main object is to hear and determine appeals made by any public officer or any local government officer against any decision of the Public Service Commission or the Local Government Service Commission, as the case may be, pertaining to an appointment exercise or to a disciplinary action taken against that officer. Madam Speaker, may I remind the House that I introduced the Equal Opportunities Act and the Public Bodies Appeal Tribunal Act. This was done with the precise objectives to ensure that public officers have a mechanism to have redress if they think they have been aggrieved. In the past, this would take years. Now, with the tribunal, it does not. My Government has had the political will to take bold measures to create more opportunities for all components of our society. In the same vein, I am reiterating my engagement and that of my Government to ensure that recruitment in the public service is transparent, fair and based on merit.

Yes, first supplementary!

Merci, Madame la présidente. Puis-je demander à l’honorable Premier ministre s’il peut examiner les recrutements récents, par exemple, dans les autorités locales, où clairement ces principes de méritocratie et de non-discrimination n’ont pas été suivis ? Par exemple, seulement trois sur 123 dans un cas. Peut-il mener une enquête dessus ? Merci.

This is being done. Actually, I can say to the House that the Chairperson has resigned. He has submitted his resignation following that enquiry. An hon. Member: Bien bizin!

Okay, second!

Merci, Madame la présidente. L’honorable Premier ministre peut-il considérer l’élargissement du champ d’intervention de l’Equal Opportunities Commission afin qu’elle soit plus efficace et non pas comme c’est le cas actuellement ? Cela prend six mois, par exemple, pour que la commission convoque pour la première fois la plaignante. Justice delayed is justice denied. Merci.

I think it has been replied. Anyway!

The short answer is: there is a huge backlog. The previous regime – and you know who was there – just did nothing!

Exactement!

Yes, one for the hon. Member!

Thank you. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to the Equal Opportunities Commission, pending the Public Service Commission’s propositions for reform and the Law Reform Commission, is the hon. Prime Minister agreeable to, at least, open up the application of the Equal Opportunities Commission to cases of discrimination at work in the public service so that they may enquire and take sanctions in the case of public servants, where they are victims of discrimination or other offences under the Equal Opportunities Act?

The Public Bodies Appeal Tribunal was made for that. But we will have to change the law, to amend the law to consider that.

There is a little confusion. Anyway, next question! Hon. Second Member for Rodrigues! RODRIGUES REGIONAL ASSEMBLY ACT – PROPOSED AMENDMENT