(Madam Speaker in the Chair)

Are we ready? (7.20 p.m.) Office of the President – Programme Code 0101: Presidency Affairs (Rs129,100,000) was called and agreed to. (7.20 p.m.) Office Of the Vice-President – Programme Code 0102: Vice-Presidency Affairs was called.

If anybody wants to speak, I cannot see you very well because I have removed my glasses, but you just raise your hands. Somebody will tell me. Or you can say: Madam Speaker. I will hear.

Yes.

Yes, hon. Member. We are on Office of the Vice-President?

Yes.

Yes!

Clarification at page 5 – Item 22900.011 – Personal Secretariat of Retired Vice-President. May we know the modalities of the Secretariat of retired Vice- Presidents? How does it work? The modalities?

You are asking me about policy for retirement?

No, I asked the modalities.

The modalities?

What are the conditions? What are the modalities? It is not a matter of policy: how it works.

I hear you!

So, what is the allowance for? Can we know what we are paying? What are the modalities?

On vient de commencer. Allons prendre cela bien, s’il vous plait. On vient de commencer ! Hon. Prime Minister, can you find it? It is Item 22900.011 – Personal Secretariat of Retired Vice-President, the modalities.

The provision is for payment of monthly allowances, for telephone bills, local calls, air tickets, medical check-ups, expenses, surgical interventions, if required, of three retired Vice-Presidents. Provision is also made for a retired Vice-President to employ a clerk and a typist and an office attendant at Government’s cost.

Okay, c’est bon? Alright, let us carry on. Office Of the Vice-President – Programme Code 0102: Vice-Presidency Affairs (Rs23,800,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.23 p.m.) National Assembly – Programme Code 0103: Parliamentary Affairs was called.

National Assembly! That is us! Yes, tell us the page and the item!

Yes, I wanted to know at page 9, Madam...

One moment, once we go to page 9, we are not coming back on the other pages. Okay? Page 9, yes? Il faut qu’on prenne notre rythme, allez-y !

Yes, Item 31122.824 – Acquisition of Equipment for Live Broadcasting - Studio for Parliament TV, may we know what this is about?

Of course. Yes, hon. Prime Minister, can you reply?

It is for acquisition of equipment for live broadcasting for studio for Parliament TV. The provision is made for phase 2 of the Parliament TV channel which will expand its content.

Yes, for the moment. If I may, I will help. May I? Am I allowed to do that?

(Interruptions)

No, no, c’est important! For the moment, we are only seeing you like this but there is a second phase coming when we will be doing a little bit more than that like in France and in England. Okay? Next! National Assembly – Programme Code 0103: Parliamentary Affairs (Rs366,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.25 p.m.) The following Programme Codes were called and agreed to – 0104: Electoral Supervisory Commission and Electoral Boundaries Commission – Supervision of Electoral Activities and Review of Electoral Boundaries (Rs3,400,000). 0105: Office of the Electoral Commissioner – Electoral Services (Rs448,500,000). 0106: Judicial and Legal Service Commission – Recruitment and Promotion of Judicial and Legal Officers (Rs3,000,000). (7.26 p.m.) The Judiciary – Programme Code 0107: Administration and Delivery of Justice was called.

Yes?

With regard to page 20, the indicators: Disposal of cases, the KPIs for the programme heading: Percentage of cases disposed, may I know the breakdown, total number of ongoing cases: civil and criminal as at now, the end of the financial year?

I will have to table, Madame la présidente. I will table it.

Can I ask another question since the hon. Prime Minister will provide? May I also know the number of cases ongoing with provisional charges having been lodged?

Do we have that one?

You will have it in your breakdown.

I will not be able to give you. I will have to ask.

Yes, I will put a PQ on that.

That’s it!

Est-ce qu’on a cela dedans?

Yes, I have...

Yes, yes but hold your horses a bit. Let us get the answers. Can we get the answers? The hon. Prime Minister will table! Okay? Ask me.

I have another question.

Okay, another question then.

Yes, thank you, Madam Speaker. With regard to page 21, Capital Expenditure, Item 31132.801 – Acquisition Software - Transcription Software. May we have the modalities of the transcription software from the hon. Prime Minister, the details to put it in another word?

I can give the details later. I will answer but I know it is for procuring a transcription software to transcribe audio recordings of case proceedings in English, French and Mauritian Kreol language.

Very good! Interesting, you got it. The Judiciary – Programme Code 0107: Administration and Delivery of Justice (Rs928,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.29 p.m.) The following Programme Codes were called and agreed to – 0108: Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions –Criminal Advisory and Litigation (Rs223,000,000). 0109: Public Service Commission and Disciplined Forces Service Commission –Public Service and Disciplined Forces Service Affairs (Rs160,000,000). 0110: Public Bodies Appeal Tribunal – Determination of Appeals (Rs24,100,000). 0111: Office Of Ombudsman – Protection against Maladministration in the Public Sector (Rs22,100,000) (7.31 p.m.) National Audit Office – Programme Code 0112: External Audit Services was called.

Yes? Question? I thought so.

Yes, page 39, Madam Chairperson, Sub-Programme 011201 – Regularity...

One moment. Where is it on the page?

It is Sub-Programme 011201 – Regularity Audit.

What would be your question?

It is a question of KPI.

KPI, yes?

Yes, May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, with regard to the 83% KPI target that has been met for financial statements of statutory bodies and local authorities submitted and audited within the prescribed statutory deadlines, may we know from the hon. Prime Minister, with regard to the 17% that have not respected the deadline, the enforcement actions taken for those 17?

No, I cannot allow this. You have to speak on the budget, not on the actions taken, etc.

But it is the KPI. Out of the 17% that have not complied, I want to know. It is part of the KPI for them to comply. So, I want to know what has been done?

It seems to me...

Normally, I cannot give that. This is the National Audit Office which does all this.

Yes, you will find out in due course. National Audit Office – Programme Code 0112: External Audit Services (Rs218,500,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.32 p.m.) Employment Relations Tribunal – Programme Code 0113: Industrial and Employment Dispute Resolution (Rs33,000,000) was called and agreed to. (7.33 p.m.) Local Government Service Commission – Programme Code 0114: Local Government Service Affairs was called.

Yes, hon. Leader of the Opposition?

Yes, thank you, Madam Chairperson. Can I ask the hon. Prime Minister, on page 47, who is the new Chairperson of the LGSC? Can he also give the names of the members of the LGSC?

Yes, human resources; Chairperson and members. Do you have the names?

Yes, the Chairperson is being finalised with the President. So, I am not at a liberty unless the President confirms it. He probably will be writing to you, I think. For the names, I can give you the names.

On n’entend pas!

On n’entend pas très bien. Il y a un micro qui ne marche pas ?

Ça travaille.

Okay, that is better. So, you...

You are talking about the LGSC?

Yes, who is the Chairperson at the LGSC?

The Chairperson is Ms Cootthen-Iyempermal and the members are – • Mr Sewnath; • Mr Haulder, and • Mr Basant Rai.

Yes?

The same issue. Can we know the allowances paid to the Chairperson and also to the other members, please?

The Chairperson’s salary is Rs157,000 monthly. As for the Commissioners, it is Rs73,800 monthly.

Okay. Local Government Service Commission – Programme Code 0114: Local Government Service Affairs (Rs62,800,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.35 p.m.) National Human Rights Commission – Programme Code 0115: Protection and Promotion of Human Rights was called.

Yes?

Thank you, Madam Chairperson, with regard to page 49. The KPI for Programme 0115: Protection and Promotion of Human Rights – Percentage of cases resolved within 1 year, may the hon. Prime Minister provide to the House a breakdown of the cases – (i) the nature of cases and complaints that have been resolved; (ii) the number of successful convictions secured? You will eventually come back with the...

(Interruptions)

But...

Yes, alright.

Excusez-moi, Madam Chairperson, permettez-moi d’avoir une clarification, parce qu’éventuellement cela reviendra à nous. Est-ce que nous allons devoir répondre pour les items, les dotations qu’on vote ou pour les policy decisions que l’honorable membre veut savoir ? Il faudra…

(Interruptions)

Je n’ai pas encore terminé. Excusez-moi !

Il n’a pas fini !

C’est important d’avoir cette clarification. Est-ce permis dans le Committee of Supply d’expliquer des policy decisions ?

J’ai déjà dit au début pourquoi on est là !

Madam Chairperson, moi aussi j’ai bien compris, mais je suis étonné que l’honorable membre n’arrive pas à comprendre cela !

Moi aussi je suis étonné. Madam Chairperson, puis-je ?

Oui.

Madam Chairperson, ce sont des décisions administratives.

Oui.

The KPIs deal with cases that have been resolved. It is the right of this House to know the breakdown and the category of cases. It has got nothing to do with policy. I am surprised that this seasoned Member is trying to raise this issue now.

It is policy.

Non. Ce n’est ni l’un, ni l’autre, en fait.

(Interruptions)

Let the Chairperson decide!

(Interruptions)

Ce n’est pas tout à fait policy. Mais est-ce que le Premier ministre peut dire cela lui ? Vous avez…

(Interruptions)

Oui ! Oui !

(Interruptions)

On a point of order!

Non, non, le Premier ministre veut répondre.

(Interruptions)

Le Premier ministre veut répondre. Allez-y.

(Interruptions)

Allez-y !

(Interruptions)

I cannot! Si tout le monde parle, moi qu’est-ce que je fais ?

Vous partez ! The Chairperson Je ne vais pas partir pour l’instant, mais si vous me poussez à bout, vous savez comment je fais ! Vous préférez order you out ? Non ! Allez-y!

On a point of order! I refer the House to section 73(3) of the Standing Orders, I will quote.

I already spoke on that!

But it also says, let me quote – “(...) Discussions at the Committee shall be confined to the details of the expenditure contained in the programme, sub-programme or item of expenditure and shall not refer to the general principles of Government policy and administration (...).”

Madam Chairperson, this Parliament voted for the Performance-based Budgeting. We are being given KPIs to vote on. How can we not know the breakdown of those KPIs? There is nothing to hide.

Si vous avez...

The hon. Prime Minister will easily get that information. There is nothing to hide!

Okay. First of all, hon. Damry, you are just repeating what I said earlier, okay? First of all. So, we are losing time. The hon. Prime Minister is happy to give that information. It is about human rights. Let us have the information. Yes, please, hon. Prime Minister!

The number of complaints which have been received from 01 July to 18 June of this year is 546. 437 of those have been resolved. So, about 80% of the cases have been resolved.

Oui, on ne peut pas savoir exactement. You can put a question on that.

Yes, at least, we have an answer.

Yes, that is a good answer. Mais on ne peut aller dans chaque détails. Vous vous rendez compte si on fait cela ? Mais, vous avez le droit de venir avec des questions parlementaires.

(Interruptions)

Bon, allez, on garde notre calme. Next one ! National Human Rights Commission – Programme Code 0115: Protection and Promotion of Human Rights (Rs48,300,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.40 p.m.) Office of the Ombudsperson for Children – Programme Code 0116: Protection of the Rights and Interests of Children (Rs22,700,000) was called and agreed to. (7.40 p.m.) Independent Police Complaints Commission – Programme Code 0117: Investigation into Complaints against Police Officers was called.

Yes?

Madam Chairperson, on page 53, with regard to 0117: Investigation into Complaints against Police Officers, may we know for the last financial year the number of charges laid – following investigation – against accused parties?

Charges laid? No, not charges! Number of cases!

Madam Chairperson, when an investigation is completed, it obviously translates in a charge. So, this is how we measure it!

No, you do not.

How else? The hon. Attorney General can perhaps help?

I can tell you about the number of cases received, number of cases disposed and number of cases still under investigation.

Yes, that you can give.

The number of cases that have resulted in prosecution because it is an investigative authority.

Do you have that one?

That, I will have to table because the investigations are still ongoing. I will have to table this.

No, he wants the ones that are over.

How many have been over?

Well, 5,646 are the number of cases that have been received. Of those, 3,320 have been disposed and the rest, that is, 2,426 are still under investigation.

Madam Chairperson, for the sake of this exercise, could the hon. Prime Minister seek the information and provide that to the House with regard to the 3,000 cases that have been completed, how many have resulted in actual prosecutions?

I will have to ask the Police.

Later! Later! Independent Police Complaints Commission – Programme Code 0117: Investigation into Complaints against Police Officers (Rs17,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.43 p.m.) Office of the Ombudsperson for Financial Services – Programme Code 0118: Protection of Consumers of Financial Services (Rs16,500,000) was called and agreed to. (7.43 p.m.) Financial Crimes Commission – Programme Code 0119: Combatting Financial Crimes was called.

Yes?

Yes, thank you, Madam Chairperson. Can the House be provided with the salary of the newly appointed Director?

Page?

(Interruptions)

One moment! One moment! You should tell us. It is human resources, right?

Madam Chairperson, it is on page 59, item 26 – Grants and my question relates to staff cost, that is Item 26313.164 - Financial Crimes Commission. Can we know the salary of the newly appointed Director?

Yes, I can tell you. His monthly salary is Rs261,165.

C’est cela que vous avez demandé?

You asked for the Chairperson?

The Director.

For the Director, I do not have the figure here. I know for the Chairperson but I will get it, I suppose.

Yes, hon. A. Duval? Wait for a while!

In fact, he is the Director.

Oh, he is the Director.

Can I ask with regard to page 59, Programme 0119: Combatting Financial Crimes? I would like to ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to Asset Recovery unit, the number of applications for Attachment Orders. May we know from the hon. Prime Minister, we see that there are 25 assets for which an Attachment Order was obtained. May we know if any of these have been realised and if so, the revenue generated through realisation of assets seized?

For that, I will have to ask for the information, Madam Chairperson.

You do not have it right now, okay. So, we take note. Okay! Financial Crimes Commission – Programme Code 0119: Combatting Financial Crimes (Rs475,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (7.46 p.m.) Prime Minister's Office – Programme Code 0201: Prime Minister's Office was called.

Yes?

Page 64, à l’item 22120.017 – Legal fees, il y a une augmentation considérable de R 20 million. Est-ce qu’on pourrait avoir plus de détails sur les raisons de cette augmentation ? En quoi consistent ces legal fees et à qui sont-ils payés, s’il vous plaît ?

For legal fees, provision has been made to cater for payment to external lawyers for advice to provide in respect of Chagos Archipelago and also reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses by these external lawyers, including travel and hotel accommodations when the meetings were held in Mauritius.

Yes, did you want to say something, hon. A. Duval? Yes?

Page 64, item 22900.985 – Expenses i.c.w. Chagos Archipelago of which Management and Surveillance of Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area, may we know how the Rs30 million is planned to be disbursed?

It depends on whether the treaty is ratified first.

Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger?

A la page 65, l’item 31122.814 – Acquisition of Air-Conditioning Equipment, on passe de R 4 million à R 20 million. Est-ce qu’on pourrait avoir plus de détails sur cette augmentation ?

Acquisition of air-conditioning equipment and also heating ventilation of the air-conditioning system. When it says Prime Minister’s Office, it is the whole area – the building.

Yes, hon. A. Duval?

Madam Chairperson, with regard to page 66, item 22900.014 – Hospitality and Ceremonies, may we have the details of the disbursements for the last financial years, the number of events held and specific disbursements?

First of all, these are for medals, Rs20,044,581. For State banquet, the State visit of the President of the Republic of Seychelles on the national day. The State visit of President Macron. For the banquet, it was Rs5,131,907. For President Macron, it was Rs3,829,570 and the use of the State Lounge, the accommodation and other expenses, that is, cultural shows and the floral decorations and so on.

Yes, hon. Leader of the Opposition!

Yes, thank you, Madam Chairperson. I will refer the hon. Prime Minister to page 66, Item 21110.005 - Extra Assistance. There is an increase this year. Can we be provided with the names of Advisers at the level of the hon. Prime Minister's Office and their salaries? If ever there are Advisers on a pro bono basis, can we have their names also, Madam Chairperson?

Would that concern Advisers? Extra assistance?

In the past, Madam Chairperson, everybody was an Adviser. So, we changed this. You cannot have someone who is doing extra assistance to specific services, but he is put under the column of Special Advisers. So, people think the Prime Minister has so many Advisers. In fact, it is not the case. So, that is why it is been separated.

It is split now. So, what was your question?

My request is can we be provided with the list of those persons?

Have we not got that before in the House? I think you put a question before and you got the list. You want to know the increase, not the names. The increase. Because we have already got the names.

I can circulate the names.

Yes, circulate it because we are running out of time. Hon. Ms J. Bérenger, please!

Sur le même item soulevé par l'honorable A. Duval, à la page 66, l'item 229.014, Hospitality and Ceremonies. En fait, dans les Estimates qui nous avaient été données l'année dernière, c'était une somme de R 25 millions qui avait été allouée pour l'année à venir et les trois prochaines années. Cette somme a été augmentée pour devenir R 40 millions dans les Estimates que nous avons cette année. Peut-on savoir ce qui est prévu et pourquoi il y a cette augmentation ? Qui sont les chefs d'État qui viendront nous visiter ? C'était une somme allouée de R 25 millions. Elle est passée de R 25 millions à R 40 millions. Dans les Estimates de l'année dernière, c'était une somme allouée de R 25 millions. C'est passé à R 40 millions. J'essaie d'être claire.

Sorry, what item number?

We are still on hospitality and ceremony.

Yes, on hospitality and ceremonies.

As I said, Madam Chairperson, there were there were state banquets and state visits. The State Visit of President Macron, State Banquet for the President of...

Non, pour l'année à venir. Dans les Estimates de l'année dernière, c'était une somme de R 25 millions qui avait été allouée pour l'année à venir. Mais cette somme a été révisée à R 40 millions. Peut-on savoir pourquoi ?

Parce que l'année dernière, on a dépensé plus. Alors, on a fait la provision pour ça.

You have understood? Yes, I think we got it. Are we all right now? We have five minutes under this same item? Page 68? Yes, carry on!

Yes. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, on page 68, Item 22900.910, Running Costs of Security Unit.

Which item?

22900.910. So, the question is there is a considerable increase for this coming financial year. May we may we know the reasons for that increase?

It is about security matters because we are really looking at the whole security, including at the airport. This is what we are doing.

May I ask? Can the hon. Prime Minister enlighten the House what is the Security Unit exactly? Is it his security? Are we talking about officials’ personal security? What is the Security Unit?

That is State security, of course.

Very generally, because I am not sure you can do that!

They are expenses related to the Counter-Terrorism Unit. We are setting up a Counter-Terrorism Unit. When we set up, we have to purchase equipment and you have to meet operational costs of the unit. That is part of it. There is the running cost of the security unit as well. Then, there are conferences and seminars as well. That is basically that.

Madam Chairperson, I want to understand what is that Security Unit? Is it the VIPSU? What is it?

It exists already.

(Interruptions)

No, no, no. Counter-terrorism is another item. Do not try...

I am not trying anything.

Not you, Madam Chairperson. From behind! They are answering for the Prime Minister. It is not counter-terrorism. It is the Security Unit. My question is: can he elaborate on the Security Unit? It is too general.

Is it possible or is it secret?

No, it includes the Counter-Terrorism Unit. That is part of security. That is why I mentioned the Counter-Terrorism Unit.

It is a different item.

Which item are we talking about?

22900.910, Rs37 millions.

Yes, there is a National Security Adviser here who is also in the Security Unit. First of all, there is him. He is responsible for that security division. He is responsible to enhancing national security and protecting the territorial integrity of Mauritius. They have to formulate the guidelines on security matters. They coordinate national security matters with other government agencies to provide views, and then they follow the recommendations. They also provide security to VVIPs.

Okay. Hon. Quirin, please!

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. My question, this time, is with regard to expenses related to the Counter-Terrorism Unit from Rs50 million to Rs90 million. It is on the same page. Page 68.

No, which item?

Item 22900.909. From Rs50 million to Rs90 million, can we know the reason for such a huge increase?

I have just said for the Counter-Terrorism Unit which we are setting up. We are setting up the Counter-Terrorism Unit. They have to purchase the equipment and they have operational costs.

Okay. Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

À la page 69, Item 31121.801, Acquisition of Vehicles. Pareillement, dans les Estimates qui nous avaient été données l'année dernière, c'était un autre chiffre. Il y a une augmentation de Rs23 millions dans l'allocation budgétaire pour l'année à venir. Peut-on savoir combien de véhicules vont être achetés et à qui ils sont destinés ?

First of all, the vehicles have not been changed since the previous government was there. So, we need to replace the vehicles. But also, we were planning for the business conference that we will have with the United States. We have to acquire vehicles. I think it is about 44, but I cannot remember the exact number.

Yes, Leader of the Opposition.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chairperson. I refer the hon. Prime Minister to page 68.

I cannot go back.

On est déjà à la page 69. If you have no objection, on va dire les deux sont ensemble. I will allow you. But try and remember! Once we finish the page, we are done. So, come back! Come back!

Madam Chairperson, you need to tell us that that page is over.

Okay, I will do that.

Madam Chairperson, I refer the hon. Prime Minister to page 68, Item no. 22900.842 and .843, two new items.

Diaspora.

Yes. And the other one with migrants.

Irregular Migrants.

Can we be provided with more information? Thank you.

Migrants from Chagos. Yes.

No, irregular migrants!

Irregular Migrants? 22900.842 is Expenses i.c.w. Diaspora Global Advisory Council. C’est cela que je vois, moi.

First of all, it is not about Chagos you are asking? It is not about Chagos? You are asking about the Diaspora Global Advisory Council, I take it. This is to serve as a platform to encourage greater participation from our diaspora and friends of Mauritius from overseas for our development under the Migration Unit in collaboration with the concerned stakeholders. It is working on the setting-up – they are setting it up – of a Diaspora Global Advisory Council.

There were two items. The other item is Reception of Irregular Migrants from Chagos and Repatriation to their Country of Origin.

Are you speaking about the illegal migrants that we have already deported?

It is for 22900.843 - Reception of Irregular Migrants from Chagos and Repatriation to their Country of Origin, hon. Prime Minister.

Yes, that is about the Chagos, in fact. There is a draft agreement between Mauritius and the UK providing for a migration protocol for the reception of irregular migrants. There are not many. There have been four, if I remember properly, from Diego Garcia. The illegal migrants brought to Mauritius will be the responsibility of the Mauritian State now that we have...

(Interruptions)

Yes, depending on the protocol, of course.

These are not Mauritians, of course. Vous avez compris ? Parce qu’on connait l’histoire.

(Interruptions)

Oui, il y a un protocole. Prime Minister's Office – Programme Code 0201: Prime Minister’s Office (Rs2,015,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.03 p.m.) The following Programme Codes were called and agreed to – 0202: Pay Research Bureau – Programme Code 0202: Pay and Conditions of Service (Rs46,600,000). 0203: Civil Status Division – Programme Code 0203: Civil Status Affairs (Rs148,000,000). (8.03 p.m.) Government Printing – Programme Code 0204: Government Printing Services was called.

Yes?

KPIs on page 70. It takes patience to answer calmly like this!

Page 70?

Page 70. It is the fourth time I am saying this. Page 70! It takes patience. All the time, you are saying page, page, page! It is actually irritating! It is 70.

We are already on Government Printing.

No, but I asked for Equal Opportunities Commission.

(Interruptions)

Non, mais, Madam...

Est-ce que je peux?

(Interruptions)

Members! Je vais perdre ma voix! Alors, we have already voted and we are now on Government Printing. I am sorry, we missed you!

Madam Chairperson, j’ai mis mon nom pour la page 70. Demandez, je n’ai pas envie d’embarrasser...

Non, non, je n’ai pas. Tout ce temps-là, je vous ai donné la parole. Ne me rendez pas la vie difficile. We will skip that one and try and follow what we are doing. Everybody must try and follow, please! Government Printing, I was saying.

Madam Chairperson, it is going to be difficult unless we call the page now. Please!

Yes, you have to call the page.

(Interruptions)

Vous savez ce qu’on va faire? I will call the page. Je suis gentille, moi. Je suis gentille. Allez ! Government Printing, pages 84-85. Government Printing – Programme Code 0204: Government Printing Services (Rs233,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.06 p.m.) Rodrigues and Outer Islands – Programme 0205: Rodrigues and Outer Islands (Rs 6,982,000,000) was called and agreed to. (8.07 p.m.) Reform Institutions and Rehabilitation – Programme Code 0206: Rehabilitation of Offenders and Children in Probation Institutions was called.

Page 91, yes!

Page 91, KPIs for the successful rehabilitation of offenders and children in probation institutions, may we know in regards to the former and the latter, that is, offenders and children in probation institutions, the rate of reoffending for the last financial year that has been registered?

I will have to table, Madam Chairperson. I will have to table it.

Okay, the information is coming.

I could table it as well. But anyway! From July last year to May of this year, 23 probation orders and 275 community services have been issued. 87% of the probationers and community service workers have completed their community orders. The success rate of probation orders is assessed by evaluating two – I am giving you the details – key factors, the offender’s compliance with the conditions, and then, the extent to which the offender’s criminogenic needs have been addressed. The success rate of the community service holders, again, is determined by the offender’s regularity in attending the worksite, the quality of work, the offender’s behaviour and all this. You asked about the percentage of offenders?

Reoffending.

In fact, it is about 70% from what I see.

Reoffending?

No, not reoffending. Those who have successfully completed their rehabilitation. So, its 30%.

If the hon. Prime Minister can get the precise information at a later stage? If he can?

I doubt, whoever it concerns reoffending.

If it is 70%, ...

Non, je sais, mais c’est dans le même KPI.

Dans l’esprit. Mais ce n’est pas reoffending.

If it is 70%, it means 30% have been reoffending, I think. I will get the information.

Yes, the percentage is very high, in fact. On est à la page 92. Pages 92-94? Reform Institutions and Rehabilitation – Programme Code 0206: Rehabilitation of Offenders and Children in Probation Institutions (Rs143,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.10 p.m.) Forensic Science Laboratory – Programme Code 0207: Forensic Science Services was called.

Page 94, yes?

Thank you. Page 94.

KPI!

Madam Chairperson, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister for the last Financial Year, out of the 69% of cases received and analysed, may we know the breakdown of the type of dangerous drug that was successfully analysed within that year and for those that were unsuccessfully analysed, the breakdown again of the drugs so we can do a comparison?

I believe we do not have that information at the moment, Madam Chairperson but maybe if I get it, I will circulate it.

Not surprised! Yes, but in due course, we will provide. Keep all these issues. Page 95.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. I refer the hon. Prime Minister to page 95 Item 21110.001 – Basic Salary and Item 21110.004 – Allowances, can the House be provided with the monthly salary of the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory and any allowances drawn also?

Just making sure I am giving the right figure –Rs419,500 monthly salary. There is a special all-inclusive allowance as well of Rs305,500 per month.

Yes, okay.

Page 96 Item 31112.019 – Construction of the Forensic Science Laboratory, can we have the cumulative expenditure up to June 2026 and can we know the reason of a change in the project value? De R 850 million, il est devenu R 875 million. Dans les estimates qu’on avait eus l’année dernière, le project value était R 850 million et si possible d’avoir le cumulative expenditure.

Oui. I can give you the details but I know by memory that they have been acquiring new equipment specially for the new drug that they want to analyse and also, they have been asking for expertise advice but I can give you the details.

Okay. Good. Forensic Science Laboratory - Programme Code 0207: Forensic Science Services (Rs585,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.14 p.m.) National Disaster Risk Reduction - Programme Code 0208: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management was called.

Page 97, 98, okay?

On page 98, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to Item 31122 – Other Machinery and Equipment, can we be provided with the list of equipment – the breakdown of other equipment, machinery etc that is presently allocated at the NDRRMC?

I want to make sure we are talking about the same. You are asking about the other machinery and equipment?

Yes, but I am looking for the whole inventory.

IT equipment, there is a decrease due to equipment donated. Equipment has been donated by the Indian Ocean Commission under the EU funded project. And also, there is the enhancement of the video conferencing system in the main conference room which has cost Rs600,000. It is for video conferences. There is also an implementation of Microsoft 365 Business premium cloud services which has cost Rs400,000.

Madam Chairperson, if I may clarify, for the benefit of the House, the inventory of the item – Other Machinery and Equipment, the inventory which is allocated at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre? If the hon. Prime Minister may provide us with at least in due time.

No but hon. A. Duval if I may?

Yes.

I may be wrong but the estimates concern only acquisition of IT equipment.

There is provision for the last Financial Year and equipment have been purchased. I now require the updated list.

I will have to circulate.

You will provide, okay. Can we carry on? The hon. Leader of the Opposition is going to put a question.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. I refer the hon. Prime Minister to page 98 Item 22900.903 – Awareness Campaign. Can we know how many campaigns were carried out in the last Financial Year?

Campaigns are difficult for me to say but I know there has been an increase for an inclusive multiplatform. There is a provision to cater for an inclusive multiplatform platform – strategy for awareness campaign.

Toujours à la page 98, Item 22120.008 – Fees to Consultant, peut-on savoir en quoi consiste ces fees ? Pourquoi il y a eu besoin d’un consultant et qui est le consultant ?

Provision has been made for consultancy fees to develop a GIS based National Logistics database that will integrate the logistics resources data across public and private sectors. Also, there is a fee for the National Emergency Operations Command but that is not what the hon. Member asked.

Okay.

Qui est le consultant ?

No, they have not appointed a consultant yet but they will appoint. National Disaster Risk Reduction - Programme Code 0208: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (Rs33,000,000) was on question put, agreed to. (8.18 p.m.) Mauritius Meteorological Services - Programme Code 0209: Meteorological Services was called.

Page 100. Yes, hon. A. Duval!

Page 100 under the general programme heading – Programme 0209: Meteorological Services, may we have from the hon. Prime Minister, the percentage accuracy for the last Financial Year of weather forecast by the meteorological services? You will know that it used to be a KPI if I am not mistaken.

I can tell the hon. Opposition Whip; in no country, can you get it 100% right. Look at what has happened in Europe, So, it is never 100%.

But we measure it by percentage, hon. Prime Minister.

Yes, I will have to give it to you.

Thank you.

Au moins vous avez fait rire tout le monde, c’est bien.

Thank you. Page 102 , Item 31122.999 – Acquisition of Other Machinery and Equipment – (b) Hydromet Project (Grant Funded – Green Climate Fund), Madam Chairperson, being given Rodrigues has a higher sea level rise per year as per some information around 6.4mm per year, may I know form the hon. Prime Minister whether this project takes onboard Rodrigues specially to take records of data from Port Mathurin?

The answer is yes.

Good. You have a question?

Yes, on the same item, Madam Chairperson, can the hon. Prime Minister provide the House with more information on the Hydromet Project?

It is an automatic rain gauge at the weather station with its database, and that includes HF radio, tide gauge station, wave rider, humidity chamber, hydrogen leakage detector and a power meter for the radar station.

Thank you, everybody. Mauritius Meteorological Services - Programme Code 0209: Meteorological Services (Rs347,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.21 p.m.) External Communications - Programme Code 0220: Policy and Strategy for Port and Airport Development was called.

Page 104?

With regard to page 104, programmes outcomes, 0220: Policy and Strategy for Port and Airport Development, indicators – Average service time spent at berth (Hours per ship), we see that the target has not been reached for the last financial year that was budgeted. May we know if there are any reports that have been communicated to him and that can be made available to the House, which have established the regression in meeting the targets, but also, in past performance as well?

I cannot remember there was a report sent to me but I know that some of this offloading equipment have failed and we have to replace them. It does not say more than that. It says digitalisation and automation of port operations and modernising of container facilities, some of which are not working.

Same question but for the airport. There is the same issue of regression on target and performance.

Again, because even with the connections to the airplanes, we are having problems. They are all going to have to be changed but they are repairing them because the idea is that if we have some agreements –Air Mauritius is looking for agreements – that might be part of the package and I see here an amount of Rs2.7 billion would then be invested to expand, modernise, and enhance the efficiency of the airport.

Okay, yes?

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. Still on that page 104, 0220: Policy and Strategy for Port and Airport Development, we are being asked to vote an additional sum of Rs1.2 billion. May we know from the hon. Prime Minister what is behind the policy and strategy which involves this increase? How the Rs2.3 billion and especially the increase of Rs1 billion is going to go into that policy?

C’est un summary ça. Je crois que la réponse, on l’a déjà. On a déjà la réponse, c’est un summary. Yes? Page 106!

Page 106, Madam Chairperson, with regard to Modern, safe and efficient aviation and port services, I refer the hon. Prime Minister to the last item –Provision of passenger facilitation services at Plaine Corail Airport, Airport of Rodrigues Ltd. For 2025-2026, the target was 350,000 passengers, whereas what is recorded here as provisional number of passengers facilitated is only 299,531. Can we have an answer why?

There was one airplane which had problems and had to be removed. So, there were fewer airplanes.

Okay. Page 107-111? External Communications – Programme Code 0220: Policy and Strategy for Port and Airport development (Rs2,333,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.27 p.m.) External Communications – Programme Code 0221: Civil Aviation Services (Rs490,000,000) was called and agreed to. (8.27 p.m.) Police Service – Programme Code 0230: Police Services was called.

Yes?

Page 112, 0230: Law and order – Crime rate (per 1,000 population), may I ask the hon. Prime Minister, with regard to the crime rate, may we know the enquiries completed in investigation of crimes? So, the rate of enquiries completed for investigation of crimes for last year, the number of crimes reporters, the number of crimes which have been investigated? Madam Chairperson, the rate is 4.2, therefore, it has been reported. We agree it has been reported?

I will have to circulate this because it is quite a long list you are asking. I will have to circulate it.

Yes?

Page 115, s’il-vous-plaît, item 22900.973 - Expenses i.c.w. Safe City Project, peut-on savoir combien de caméras sont opérationnelles?

It does not say how many cameras are actually working. It says provision has been made for rental to Mauritius Telecom for installation of 4,000 surveillance cameras, about 2,000 intelligent video surveillance sites, traffic cameras: 375 intelligent surveillance sites but that is not the question.

There is more coming.

The question is how many are actually operational. I am told all cameras are operational.

Are now operational.

Madam Chairperson, I have a few questions on that page if you will allow. The first being: Can the hon. Prime Minister tell us how many cameras have not yet been installed under the Safe City Project as at date?

Not yet installed.

I can give you the list. 157 actually have not yet been installed. 157.

May I?

Yes.

Yes, thank you. Still with regard to the Safe City Project, may I know from the hon. Prime Minister...

(Interruptions)

One moment! May I know what is the problem, hon. Jhummun?

With whom?

You were saying something?

(Interruptions)

His KPI is good!

Yes. Vous croyez que je suis née de la dernière pluie ? Allez-y !

Madam Chairperson, thank you. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, on Safe City project still, can the hon. Prime Minister state the number of components that have been activated under the project for the sum it was bought, and the components that have still not been activated?

Met enn PNQ matlo!

I have a question coming next week! But it is part of this exercise.

I think you had a question on that.

I have a question coming. So, this why.

You have a question coming on that.

In fact, they have prepared the answer. The components of the Safe City Project, as you know, there is face recognition and other plate recognition, etc.

Let us wait for Tuesday.

May we know which components have already been paid, but not yet implemented?

If you have it, you tell him.

I do not have the details of which components. You are asking about components.

If you can circulate.

I will circulate it, okay.

Okay. Yes, hon. Leader of the Opposition. Do not dwell too long on that. Yes, carry on.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chairperson, page 115. I will refer the hon. Prime Minister to item 31112.049 – Construction of Mauritius Disciplined Forces Academy. Can the hon. Prime Minister report on progress, please?

What I know is that, I remember, there has been an unsuccessful tendering exercise. Therefore, the tender documents are being revised because it was unsuccessful. Provision is being made for a 10% advance payment to the selected bidder once you get the selected bidder.

Yes, one last question on that.

A bidder has already been selected for the project?

Not yet.

Okay, last question on this one.

Madam Chairperson, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to the Safe City Project again, can the hon. Prime Minister state the storage capacity in terms of days or weeks or months of safe city footage?

(Interruptions)

One moment! May I advise everybody to allow the hon. Prime Minister to decide. If he cannot, he will tell us. Then. if he goes too far, I will stop him.

I remember, myself, I have been asking this. Normally, it is 30 days.

Good. Police Services – Programme Code 0230: Police Services (Rs 14,225,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.35 p.m.) Prison Service – Programme Code 0240: Prison Services was called.

Pages 133-134? Prison Service – Programme Code 0240: Prison Services (Rs1,350,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (8.35 p.m.) Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0250: Policy and Strategy for Public Finance and Economic Development was called.

Page 142.

Non, non, non.

(Interruptions)

S’il fait comme ça, je m’en vais. On ne peut. On a une soirée pour partir, vous nous excitez bonheur. Sur les 14 milliards qu’on se vante d’avoir augmenté, qu’on fasse une examination. Comment peut-on sauter de la page 118 et passer à autre chose ?

Mais non.

On est arrivé à la page 140.

Mais je n’ai pas sauté. Excusez-moi. Je suis en train de faire page par page. C’est ce que j’ai fait.

Madam Chairperson, you said you will take page by page.

This is exactly...

But at least you should let us know on which page you are.

This is exactly what I have done.

No.

(Interruptions)

Vous avez appelé Ministry of Finance, Madam Chairperson.

Madam Chairperson, vous avez appelé le Ministry of Finance.

(Interruptions)

To kone kot li ete sa ? Inn sot 30 paz!

(Interruptions)

Je crois que je vais lever la séance et aller manger. Qu’est ce qui s’est passé? Hon. Member, please, I am being guided. I am following page by page as far as I remember. Let us find out. C’était quoi ? On était sur ?

On était sur page 117.

When I put my question, I was on page 115.

Non.

(Interruptions)

Permettez-moi, Madam Chairperson, sur un point de clarification. Si on a fini de sauter la page – je peux comprendre qu’il est vendredi soir et qu’il y a le happy hour – mais ce n’est pas une question de bouger autant.

Combien de temps on va répéter ça? To pa le travay?

Mwa mo pa le travay ?

(Interruptions)

One moment! Everybody, let us try and keep our heads.

(Interruptions)

Pa fer mwa komens koz pou twa!

Let us keep our heads!

Pa fer mwa koz pou twa!

To pou al kasiet la!

Pa koumense ar mwa!

Non, non, hon. Member. Non, come on !

Non, franchement !

Franchement oui.

Arrêtez ! Sinon, vous savez, je vais partir. Hon. Member, please help me.

Yes.

I have already...

Page 118.

No, listen to me. The Police have already walked out.

But, Madam Chairperson, if it is like this, I am going.

(Interruptions)

If it is like this, I am going!

(Interruptions)

You told them to go.

Non, mo pe ale.

Prime Minister, what would you like?

This is becoming a joke, Madam Chairperson!

Vous n’arrivez pas à suivre.

Pourquoi ils peuvent partir ?

Mais parce que vous n’avez pas suivi.

On n’a pas suivi ? Vous avez appelé 30 pages en avance, Madam Chairperson !

Mais non ! Mais non !

(Interruptions)

On va couper la poire en deux. Non, on va couper la poire…

Il n’y a pas de poire. Kot ena pwar?

Il n’y a pas de poire ?

Il y a ça.

Allez, dites-moi. On va essayer de faire le maximum qu’on peut pour que tout le monde soit happy. Sinon, on reste là à discuter et à discutailler.

Page par page.

C’est discutailler.

Page par page, s’il vous plaît !

Mais j’ai fait page par page !

(Interruptions)

I am guided. Et j’ai fait page par page.

But you are being misguided then!

Okay, Leader of the Opposition, tell me where you wanted to come back?

No. When I intervened...

It does not matter.

When I intervened, I was on page 115.

(Interruptions)

Let me give a chance...

(Interruptions)

One moment ! J’ai dit de couper la poire en deux. I will let you comeback. But the hon. Prime Minister may not get the information. At least, you would have said, and he will take note and reply? Allez-y. Allez-y pour ne pas perdre du temps. On est sur la page 118.

Yes. This is one of the many items for the Police Service. If the police service has gone and we have done only one item, then this role is pointless.

To ti p dormi!

(Interruptions)

This is going to be pointless. I called out last time that we should not be calling ahead like these pages. You called 30 pages in advance.

Not 30.

Now, should the police service be alerted, they would comeback if they are really….

Non, non ça je ne peux pas faire.

A ce moment-là…

Ça je ne peux pas faire. Je vous ai dit, je vais faire un geste – vous posez la question, l’honorable Premier ministre va faire ce qu’il peut et nous avançons sinon on reste là ou alors, moi aussi je rentre chez moi.

Madame la présidente, point de clarification parce que j’ai beaucoup de questions à poser sur la police.

Posez vos questions.

Madame la présidente, j’ai beaucoup de questions à poser en détails. Si la police ne retourne pas, qu’on nous le dise maintenant pour que je prenne ma décision. Est- ce que la police va retourner ou pas ?

(Interruptions)

Okay we break. Let us break.

Let us break then.

Let us break then we will see. Oui, c’est mieux ! Let us break for one hour. At 8.42 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 10.02 p.m. with Madam Speaker in the Chair.

You may be seated, hon. Members. Okay, I am told that we can go back to page 116 – Police Service. What the hon. Prime Minister and myself have now agreed, with the Opposition, we will not come back on the votes because we have already voted. We will just give a couple of possibilities of questions for the sake of democracy. I am so sorry, I do not know exactly what happened.

Let us turn the page.

Yes, let us turn the page. Thank you. On avait faim je crois. Page 116, voilà. Allons essayer chacun de se rappeler où on en est.

Madam Chairperson, with regard to Human Resources, on page 116, with regard to two items Police Constables and Women Police Constables, number 29 and 30, can we get the number of vacancies for funded positions, Madam Chairperson, for both?

As part of the ongoing reform, the recruitment policy has been reviewed with view to broadening the pool of eligible candidates while ensuring recruitment remains aligned with contemporary police requirement. In the last recruitment exercise that is, in November last year, only 368 women police constables and PCs were enlisted. Today, there are 548 funded vacancies in the police. There are 2619 unfunded vacancies but according to the revised scheme of service for the grade of police constable which was proved in May of this year, there will be key changes. Do you want me to tell you what changes?

Circulate it.

I can circulate it, okay.

Thank you. Yes. Okay, page 118.

May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, Madam Chairperson with regard to page 118, the sub-programme 23002 – Crime Control and Investigation. First the KPI, number of reported cases of larceny with aggravating circumstances in respect of the Financial Year which is coming to an end. There were 207 reported cases of aggravated larceny. May I know in respect of the 207 cases, how many persons have been arrested and charged?

I am told that the number of reported cases for larceny and aggravating circumstances was 197. Number of cases concluded 98, actual detention rate is 50% that is the figures they have.

It differs slightly from the actual figures of 207 but let that be. With regard to the detection rate in reported cases of crime, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister – I imagine it is Safe City detection – the rate of crimes detected unreported but detected by the system?

Detected by themselves?

Yes. If it is a surveillance system, it has to detect.

I will not have the figures in my head. Actually, they do not have the figures.

Thank you. With regard to Item 21110.004 – Allowances, we see that we are budgeting an amount of Rs1,010,000,000 for allowances. May we know the amount budgeted in respect of Sunday allowance and risk allowance of that sum? If we can have the breakdown?

That allowance includes night duty and Sunday allowances plus also there is an allowance for responsibility and disturbance. I will table the breakdown.

Yes, please, thank you.

Okay. Can we move on?

Page 119. With regard to the Item 31122.999 – Acquisition of Other Machinery and Equipment, we see that there is a sum of Rs3.4 million being budgeted, may we know the breakdown and if you can also specify the breakdown for personal protective equipment in respect of that?

This does not include personal protection equipment, it includes acquisition of water pump and air conditioning for various police stations and it includes Rodrigues in that, divisional headquarters.

Page 120?

Yes.

May I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to Capital Expenditure item 31122.999 – Acquisition of Other Machinery and Equipment, again, we see an increase of Rs2 million, may we know if it comprises personal protective equipment, if not what are these equipment?

The answer is no. It is not personal, it is for machines like fax machines, shredders, photocopying machines, office chairs, office desk and filling cabinets.

Yes. Hon. Leader of the Opposition.

Yes, thank you, Madam Chairperson. On the same page under Capital Expenditure item 31113.043 – Driving License and Test Centre. Can we be provided with information as to why there is an increase up to Rs3 million under that item?

There is a provision for – I think they call it audio-visual test system software, this is an upgrading. I have to give additional information. This is in fact for acquisition of air conditioning again for the audio-visual centre. Also, the road block equipment.

Okay. Page 121? Page 122? Okay.

Page 122 under Sub-Programme 023005: Combatting Drug Trafficking.

Ton micro, Joe.

Sak fwa bizin dir twa met micro la.

Chut ! Vaux mieux laisser le micro debout.

Merci. I heard a similar remark years ago, Madam Chairperson.

Yes, c’est rassis!

Can I come to KPI under Drug control operations. The percentage of drug related operations resulting in arrest and seizures, the target was 71% but we achieved only 60%. May we know why, Madam Chairperson?

Yes. ADSU.

You are talking about the percentage of related operations resulting in arrest.

Under target.

It is under target; the target was 71%, it is 60%. I will …

Here is the answer.

You want to know why it is under target? There is need for more intelligence-led crackdown operations across the island. That is why they feel it was under target and they are increasing that number.

May I?

Yes.

Thank you. On the same page 122, same item: Sub-Programme 023005: Combatting Drug Trafficking. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister to provide the breakdown of the types of drugs seized and the value of assets seized. If you can provide later.

Yes, later.

Yes.

Okay. Page 123.

Yes. I have one. Thank you. Capital Expenditure, Item 31122.805 – Acquisition of Security Equipment; we see that there is the sum of Rs4 million. Does that comprise Personal Protective Equipment, if so, can he give the list?

C’est une fixation!

Are you on page 122?

Page 123.

Page 123, can you tell me which?

Capital expenditure, hon. Prime Minister. Acquisition of Security Equipment - .805.

It is security equipment for ADSU including combat boots, bulletproof jackets and protective crash helmets.

Would you be able to give us the quantity?

Quantity I do not have but I can circulate.

Là, il ne faut pas exagérer.

(Interruptions)

Madam Chairperson, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister… Madam Chairperson?

I am listening.

How is it an exaggeration to ask for a figure of what is being budgeted for the acquisition. How is that an exaggeration? How? Did you not budget for an actual figure? You just put a number like this?

No, but maybe you should know, it is not just this kind of equipment it also includes other machinery and equipment like for example, drones, action camera also electronic scales and air conditioning.

That is the next one, yes.

Can I ask the hon. Prime Minister if he can provide us with the details. It is a matter of interest, that is why I am asking. In fact, it is a good thing that you doing. So, that we get enlightened as to the quantity, the measure.

You want to know how many of the items?

Yes, if you can provide us, eventually, the list.

I can, eventually, provide it.

Yes, on the same page?

Yes, on the same page, Madam Chairperson, I will refer the hon. Prime Minister to Item 31121.801 – Acquisition of Vehicles. There is an increase of Rs15 million. Can we be briefed on the type of vehicles and whether those vehicles will be used for drug control operations? I am putting that question because the targeted KPI will only increase by 2%, Madam Chairperson.

They have found that some vehicles are not fit for purpose, they are unserviceable so, they are acquiring 10 pickup vans and two motorcycles and one specialised vehicle.

Okay. Yes.

Madam Chairperson, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister on page 125, on the Capital Expenditure, on the main heading Item 31122 – Other Machinery and Equipment. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister if he will kindly circulate the list, the details of the acquisitions to be made under that Item 31122 – Other Machinery and Equipment to give the particulars.

I will circulate.

Okay, page 126, 127.

Madam Chairperson, I have one on page 127. The same Capital Expenditure, Item 31122 – Other Machinery and Equipment seeking details to be circulated, the list of equipment that are to be acquired, details thereof.

Yes, okay.

It is in fact, acquisition for security equipment for generators and again air conditioning, digital engraving machine and tools for workshops.

Yes, but may I ask, I understand this is for the SSU, right? If the hon. Prime Minister can give the details actually of the unit and the equipment. My understanding is that this falls under the SSU.

Yes. For anti-riot police as well, they have protective shields, body armoured plates and they need new road blocks that also they need.

If you can provide us with the details, circulate it, please.

Can we agree that is going to be the practice?

Except that I am wondering whether you should get the details because people will know how many of this we have, how many of that we have, I am not sure you can get the details.

(Interruptions)

C’est sensible…

Madam Chairperson, I fail to see how the number of boots is a matter of security, rather of equipment.

(Interruptions)

No, but that will ...

There is nothing secret…

Maybe we can provide just to the hon. Member.

Precisely, it is not ...

It will not become public, okay. I knew somewhere that we would have some matters that would be like that.

…seek of the information.

Sometimes it may be, you do not know. Okay, I am on page 128, 129?

Yes, I have one page 128.

Yes, follow please. Page 128.

Yes, I have one page 129.

Page 129, okay.

With regard to Item 31121.803 – Acquisition of Patrol Vessels (a) Offshore Patrol Vessel. Rs390 million is being requested, may we have the details of acquisition?

It is an overhaul of one offshore patrol vessel. It is going to be taken under the Indian line of credit and then there are heavy duty boats. Provision is made for acquisition of two heavy duty boats to replace old ones. There is also acquisition of tugs for the purchase of one tug boat for Agalega and that is it.

Page 130 – Immigration ? Page 131.

I have one 130, Madam Chairperson.

Yes.

With regard to Sub-Programme 023009: Immigration and Border Management. May we know from the hon. Prime Minister in respect of the last Financial Year, the number of persons that have been deported and made persona non grata by his Ministry?

I do not have the actual numbers. I answered a PQ on this but I can give you additional details.

Okay. Yes.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson, on the same page. Under Recurrent Expenditure – Item 21110.005 – Extra assistance, can we be provided with more information, hon. Prime Minister?

This was in fact salaries and allowances to 30 retired police officers; they were employed on a one-year contract to reinforce the human resource capacity. Their monthly salary was Rs32,808.

Yes. Page 131.

Page 131, with regard to item 31132.401 – e-Government Projects (a) E- Border Management System – Consultancy, may we know if a consultant has already been appointed?

No, the consultant has not been appointed. There is a provision for consultancy services for the implementation of the new border management, e-gates and all those things but not named yet.

Do you have the time for implementation?

I cannot say, the consultant will be able to look at it and tell us. I cannot say now.

Can we move on please? We have now finished with police service. We can let them go for good now. We are not going to call them again. Thank you for coming. Now we are doing prison. Merci Commissaire. Page 132?

May I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to Programme 0240 – Percentage of detainees imprisoned more than once, may I have the rate of persons going back, reincarceration rate in Mauritius?

I am sure they have the figures but I do not have it with me here. The rate is 76% and that is it really. The rate of recidivism is actually high as I say, 76%.

Yes, okay. Page 134.

With regard to item 31132.401 – E-Government Projects – Prison Management System, we see that this project is being financed for this year. May we have details of this project?

Yes, they have completed as far as I remember phase one and two. In fact, it is for phase three of the project because they want to extend the e- Prison system to the probation and aftercare services.

Yes. Interesting. Alright, page 135-136.

Page 136, Madam Chairperson, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister with regard to the Programme 024002 – Custody and Rehabilitation of Detainees – KPI. Out of the 414 persons that have been rehabilitated, may we know first, number of rehabilitations in respect of drug addicts and second, the successful rehabilitation rate in respect of those drug addicts?

As far as I know, these figures are not available but I can look for them.

Okay. Page 137?

With regard to item 31122 – Other Machinery and Equipment, we see the anti-pelting netting system. May we know in which prisons the anti-pelting netting system will be installed?

I know one is at Melrose and the other one is at Grand River North West Remand Prison.

I have a second question on this subject, Madam Chairperson. If I may ask the hon. Prime Minster on (b) Mobile Phone Jammers – hon. Prime Minister, we see that Rs30 million is being budgeted in respect of the capability of the mobile jammers that would be acquired. Cn we know number of prisons that it will cover?

It is only for the Melrose Prison.

Okay. (10.28 p.m.) Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0250: Policy and Strategy for Public Finance and Economic Development was called.

Page 139. Yes.

Yes, Madam Chairperson, with regard to Programme 0250: Policy and Strategy for Public Finance and Economic Development, the provisional growth GDP rate is 3.1% for the spent Financial Year. Does the hon. Prime Minister have the final figures?

The final figures, I have it in percentage again. It is projected to reach 85.5% of GDP by the end of June of next year. End of June 2027.

2026?

No but it is projected to end by June 2027.

If I may clarify, Madam Chairperson, I am speaking of this year that is spent now so ending 30 June 2026. The figures are provisional; I wanted to know if he has the final figures.

For 2025-2026, yes, it is 87.8%.

No, I am talking of GDP Growth percentage.

It is not yet finalised.

Can you circulate when it is finalised?

When it is finalised.

Next page, 140.

Yes.

(Interruptions)

Excuse-moi hon. Ms Anquetil.

Arrêter vos petites jérémiades.

Pages 141-142? Okay, page 143? I am giving you time. One moment, hon. Ms Joanna Bérenger.

Item 21110.005 – Extra Assistance. Oui, à la page 143. Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir la liste des bénéficiaires et les noms ?

Yes, there are three beneficiaries: Dr. Pillay Narrainen, Mr Eric Ng Ping Cheun, and Mr Takesh Luckhoo. The Commissioner for the Protection of Borrowers, I do not have his name.

Yes. Is that okay? Page 143?

Yes.

Carry on.

May I ask in relation to Item No. 26, Item 26313.020 – Gambling Regulatory Authority, can the hon. Prime Minister give the details of, the persons appointed in the management of the GRA, and the salaries, remunerations drawn and, of course, inclusive of allowances, etc.?

Do you have that one?

I cannot give the details, but I know it is for increase in the PRB. It is one of the elements. Also, they want to fill vacancies.

I am saying there is Rs134 million that were asked to vote for the GRA. I wanted to know in respect of the composition of the management of the GRA that has been appointed, their terms of service and remuneration drawn and, of course, the name of the incumbents for the management of the GRA, including the director of the various divisions falling under the GRA.

It is a long list. I can circulate it for you.

Yes, you will give us later. Thank you. Page 144? Yes.

On page 144, Madam Chairperson, Capital Expenditure, Item 26323.020, Extra Budgetary Units, Gambling Regulatory Authority, there is an amount of Rs19.2 million for financial year 2026-2027. Can we be provided with more information, hon. Prime Minister?

It is for catering of IT equipment that they need to buy and also office furniture for the relocation of the GRA to Ebène.

Okay! Thank you. Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0250: Policy and Strategy for Public Finance and Economic Development (Rs 481,700,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (10.33 p.m.) Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0251: Public Finance and Budget Management was called.

Page 145.

With regard to Programme Code 0251: Public Finance and Budget Management, improve the public financial management in the public sector, PFM Unit, percentage of ministries departments submitting annual report on performance. Madam Speaker, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister, in respect of the 18% that have not submitted their annual report on performance, will those be tabled to the National Assembly?

That is those which have been have not been tabled? Okay.

To clarify, when they are available to table them.

Yes! We move on . Next page, 146. Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger.

Je m'habitue. Page 146, s'il vous plaît, Item:22120 – Fees. Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir plus de détails sur ces fees et pourquoi est-ce qu'il y a une augmentation dans l'allocation budgétaire ?

It is the provision for payment of fees to the University of Technology of Mauritius in respect to the Internal Audit Cadre following the diploma, BSC courses, and also to meet for local training fees for the Analyst Cadre and made for the refund for fees of eligible staff subscribing to professional bodies like ACCA and all this.

Okay. Page 147.

Sub-Programme 025102: Revenue Mobilisatiion, may I know from the hon. Prime Minister for the collection of tax revenue with regard to arrears collected as a total of collectible arrears at the start of the year, may we know from the amnesty programme that he announced respect to arrears of tax, the total amount of tax collected, unpaid arrears, through the amnesty program, announced in last year's budget? The total sum collected?

The total sum collected as at May 2026 is Rs 3.99 billion.

Through the amnesty program? I am asking.

There is, in fact, no amnesty, but it is an agreement that they cannot pay.

Pages 148-152 ? Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0251: Public Finance and Budget Management (Rs4,013,800) was, on question put, agreed to. (10.38 p.m.) Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0252: Ecomomic Devolpment and Resource Mobilisation was called.

Maintenant, page 153!

Yes. Sub-Programme: 025201- Economic Development and Investment Promotion, in respect of the KPI, percentage of foreign direct investment inflows directed to sectors other than real estate, can the Prime Minister provide a breakdown of the sectors other than real estate in terms of percentage of FDI inflows?

Other than?

Other than real estates. So, can you list them?

I will circulate it.

You will circulate it. Second question!

I have a second question. I had asked the list of sectors. There are people who are answering now for the hon. Prime Minister.

You mean people from your bench?

No, on other benches. The second question, Madam Chairperson, for the EDB, may we know the number of occupations permits delivered for the last financial year? Well, one by one. Let me ask that first.

I think there was a question on occupational permits, but I do not have the figures with me. Maybe they have it. I do not know. They do not have it.

The categories?

If it is categories, it is even more complicated. But I will circulate it.

You can circulate, but I have another question.

Okay!

The FDI with regard to the real estate sector, may we know the total number of permits delivered by the EDB for promotion of real estate development in respect of the last financial year? As well as the number of applications received, but not yet delivered in respect of the last financial year. So, applications delivered and not delivered.

You will provide?

I do not have these details but I can ask.

But they are very interesting figures, I am sure. Let us carry on. Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0252: Economic Development and Human Resource Mobilisation (Rs657,900,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (10.42 p.m.) Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0253: Procurement Policy and Services was called.

Okay, pages 157, 158. I am moving on. Page159, 160. Do not tell me I went too fast. Yes? You have one? 160.

You have to vote on 159.

I have to vote on 159. Yes. C'est bon là. Si quatre personnes me parlent en même temps, c'est difficile. Merci, hon. Lobine! So, this is the one. Okay, so I go. Ministry of Finance – Programme Code 0253: Procurement Policy and Services. (Rs171,800,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (10.43 p.m.) Treasury – Programme Code 0254: Government Accounting and Payment System was called.

Page 161?

Page160. In respect to the KPI itself, Sub Programme 025303 – Review of procurement proceedings – IRP procurement proceedings. Can we have the number of challenges that have been lodged at the IRP in respect of the last two financial years? So, I am asking for the number of challenges lodged in respect of the last two financial years?

You know what happened? We have already finished 160.

Really?

Yes. I know it is difficult for everyone. We have already done 160. We just voted. We just voted once. Non. C'est après 160 qu'on a posé la question.

159.

C'est bon là. Non, mais c'est normal. Il n'y a pas de souci. On va faire ça bien là. On continue avec 161.

Did we do 160 or did we not do 160? On a voté pour 159, Madame Chairperson.

Mais non. Est-ce que tout le monde est d'accord qu'on a voté après 160 ? Ce qu'on me dit. Moi, je ne suis pas une spécialiste de la question. Ce qu'on me dit.

Madame Chairperson, il ne faut pas dire que je ne suis pas…

Mais non, je ne suis pas. Ce qu'on me dit, c'est qu'on a fini le Ministère des Finances et qu'on est passé maintenant au Trésor. Le Trésor, c'est 161. So, I will not listen to any of you. I will listen to the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk.

Madam, si cela a été voté, ce n’est pas grave. Ils ont un 60 de toute façon. Moi, ce que je demande, c'est des informations. Donc, il peut toujours me donner.

C'était quoi au juste ?

La question c'était de savoir for the last two financial years, le nombre de challenges qu'il y a eus au IRP logé. C'est le public procurement. C'est ça ma question.

I can circulate it right now if you want.

You have got it?

I have it.

Pour une fois, il y avait la réponse. Ne me poussez pas.

(Interruptions)

Mais non, mais quoi ? Le Premier Ministre, il a la réponse. Mais les autres fois, il a dit qu'il va donner après. On va se bagarrer, allez. Il va répondre, il va répondre. Très bien. Merci beaucoup, l’honorable Premier Ministre. Okay, Treasury maintenant. Allez, ça suffit. Treasury. Maintenant, on est at 161. Okay? 161. Une fois, deux fois, trois fois. Allez, 162. 163. Okay, let us follow. I am putting the question. Treasury – Programme Code 0254: Government Accounting and Payment System (Rs265,500,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (10.47 p.m.) Statistics Mauritius – Programme Code 0255: Provision of Statistics (Rs 239, 000,000) was called and agreed to. (10.47 p.m.) Corporate and Business Registration Department – Programme Code 0256: Corporate and Business Registration was called.

Page 166?

Yes, KPI exactly. 0256. Corporate and Business Registration. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister in regard to the registration of companies and businesses, will he be able to provide the House with figures of number of companies and business registration cards handed out, so companies open and BRN applied and obtained for the last financial year and the financial year prior to that?

I can circulate the details if you agree.

Page 167, 168? Okay! I put the question. Corporate and Business Registration Department – Programme Code 0256: Corporate and Business Registration (Rs219,500,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (10.49 p.m.) Registration-General’s Department – Programme Code 0257: Registration of and Deeds/ Documents and Conservation of Mortgages (Rs 202,500,000) was called and agreed to. (10.50 p.m.) Centralised Services of Government – Programme Code 2701: Centrally Managed Expenses of Government was called.

This the one that we were to take later. We take it now? Good. Page 529, 530?

Page 530?

Yes!

Page 530. Item under recurrent expenditure, that is, 22180 – Mission expenses. Can the hon. Prime Minister provide us with the list of Ministers, delegates, officials and Junior Ministers also, under that item number? You can table it, hon. Prime Minister.

I do not have these details. I will table it. Centralised Services of Government – Programme Code 2701: Centrally Managed Expenses of Government (Rs4,396,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (10.52 p.m.) Centrally Managed Initiatives of Government – Programme Code 2702: Centrally Managed Initiatives of Government was called.

Yes!

I refer the hon. Prime Minister, under recurrent expenditure, Item 25550.001 to the Price Stabilisation fund. Can we know what amount has been spent for this financial year?

As I remember, Rs1.4 billion was spent.

Rs1.4 billion?

Yes.

Yes!

Yes. Thank you, Madam Chairperson. Madam Chairperson, with regard to Item 21110.010, Service to Mauritius Programme, may we know out of the budgeted sum of Rs79,600,000, how many persons are to be enrolled on the programme?

There are actually 66 interns. Although provision has been made for 300. I understand that they will be enlisted, that is, the rest, 234 interns would be enlisted in this financial year.

Yes!

On the same page. Item No. 22900 – Other goods and services, expenses in connection with the Mutual Evaluation (AML/CFT/CPF), may we have details of the programme to be financed by the Rs35 million for the next three-four financial years? Details of the programme.

I think it is mainly for the disaster recovery system, the renewal of IBM licenses and the digital experience licenses, and for the cost and maintenance of these.

AML or e-licensing? Did you answer for the AML or e-licensing?

Well, I thought you were asking for the e-licensing?

Mutual evaluation?

So, let me give him the details he wants. A provision of Rs35 million has been made in preparation for the forthcoming mutual evaluation exercise by the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group, which is coming up.

Yes!

The breakdown?

I can give you the breakdown. Rs12 million for the engagement of the mutual evaluation experts and the interpretation of a communication to support Mauritius preparation for the evaluation exercise. Rs7 million for mock evaluation exercises, capacity building programs and attendance to the Task Force. Rs6.5 million for consultant services. It is funded through the African Development Bank by a grant to strengthen the capacity of government. Rs4 million for the appointment of an AML/CFT/CPF Consultant to provide technical assistance and support to the core group and the competent authorities.

Yes!

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. Under the same budget item, that is, recurrent expenditure. I will refer the hon. Prime Minister to Item 22900.045 - expenses in connection with Research and Innovation Programme. Can we have an idea of how much money has been spent for the financial year 2025-2026?

What has been spent is Rs22.6 million.

Madam Chairperson, same heading, but different Item, 0.46, Public Sector AI Program. Madam Chairperson, may I ask the hon. Prime Minister, out of Rs25 million budgeted last year, how much was spent? If he can give us the details of the programme? The investment plan.

I know the programme is for different ministries and departments. It is to develop a comprehensive understanding of Artificial Intelligence and its role in public administration. It is the hon. Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation who will spearhead this project in consultation with the Ministry of Public Service and Administration Reforms. But the actual expenditure is nil at the moment. Nil.

Page 532-533? Page 533!

I have a question on page 533. Madam Chairperson, we are voting billions for these pages. It takes time to see all these zeros. So, 32155.078 – Island Container Terminal Project. Madam Chairperson, may we know the name of the strategic partner for the Island Container Project, out of which, Rs1 billion will be spent on? If he can give us the name of the strategic partner and, of course, give us the details of the project?

It is a government-to-government agreement. They have not decided which company it will be.

Allez!

Can I refer hon. Prime Minister to the same item, that is, the Island Container Terminal Project. You said that it' is a G2G agreement. Can you inform the House whether the agreement has been signed?

Not yet. We have been discussing but not yet signed.

Yes.

Je reconnais avoir raté la page 532, mais j'aimerais demander si possible de donner plus d'informations pourquoi l’income support…

C’est quelle item?

Item 27210.020 – Income Support i.c.w. Basic Retirement Pension. Il n'y a pas d'allocation budgétaire pour…

Income Support i.c.w. Basic Retirement Pension. Les Rs500 million.

Oui, mais pour les années suivantes, il n'y a pas d'allocation budgétaire.

Because that will change, actually. That is the reason, because they are not qualified for Basic Retirement Pension, because the support will now be integrated in the State Age Pension. Centralised Services of Government – Programme Code 2702: Centrally Managed Initiatives of Government (Rs 26,223,900,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.02 p.m.) Centralised Services of Government – Programme Code 2703: Contingencies and Reserves (Rs 2,500,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to.

Now, I am going to leave you in the able hands of the hon. Deputy Speaker. Thank you. At this stage, the Deputy Speaker took the Chair. Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0302: Policy and Strategy for Gender Equality and Family Welfare was called.

Pages 172, 173, 174.

Yes, I have for page 174.

You have to follow me. I will not follow you. 174.

(Interruptions)

Okay. For this one I will allow you but then, you will have to follow.

Then, Mr Deputy Speaker, I will ask you to go a bit slowly. With regard to page 173, Programme Code 0305 – Reported Domestic Violence cases on declining trend. Domestic violence cases. May I know from the hon. Deputy Prime Minister with regard to domestic violence cases, how many protective orders have been issued and how many, le mot m’échappe mais –

Occupation order.

Occupation order, thank you. Occupation order as well for the…

Do you have that information hon. Deputy Prime Minister?

Yes, in which year, please?

Which year?

Last financial year.

Yes, 2025. So, the total number of cases is 463.

No, total number of cases reported, occupation orders that have been issued.

For 2025: number of family related and other issues – non domestic violence cases: 1,094 for male, female 2,323, total 3,417. Number of domestic violence cases: total 7,562. Total cases reported at Family Support Services: non-domestic violence, 10,979. Number of applications for protection order: 986. Applications for protection order withdrawn: 221. Protection order issued: 463.

And for occupation orders?

I will circulate.

Page 174? Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare Policy and Strategy for Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0302: (161,900,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.08 p.m.) Deputy Prime Minister’s Office – Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0303: Women’s Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming was called.

Ki, 175 la ?

(Interruptions)

Mais on a dit 175. We are on page 178.

… vous avez sauté une page là…

(Interruptions)

On a fait ! You did not follow!

…

Page 178?

On était d’accord qu’on allait passer page par page.

Allez, 175 ? You have to follow.

Thank you. Hon. Deputy Speaker. We have to go page by page.

I am going page by page but you have to follow.

Item 21110.005 – Extra Assistance. Can we have, for the sum budgeted of Rs4.1 million, may we know the advisers that have been appointed under that item and, of course, have their names and qualifications and remuneration drawn including allowances, gratuity, etc.?

Mr Pierre Jean-Luc Emile, Senior Adviser. Mr Patrick Edouard Jean-Louis, Adviser, and Mrs Marie Joëlle Rosy Maryam Fidèle, Adviser on Communication and Public Relation Matters. I will circulate the details on qualifications and salaries.

Page 175 ,176. Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Page 176, l'item 22130 – Studies and Surveys. Est-ce qu'on peut savoir de quelles études et de quels surveys il s'agit ? Et quels sont les consultants ?

Yes. Studies and Surveys comprise initial report to ninth report of the African Charter on Rights and Welfare of the Child. Second, the midterm review of the National Gender Policy 2022-2030. The first report, initial report of the ninth report of the African Charter on Rights and Welfare of the Child, Rs130,000. Mauritius ratified African Charter on the rights, etc. Following a bidding exercise, the services of University of Mauritius was retained for the preparation of the combined initial to ninth periodic reports and the midterm review of the national gender policy. So, it was undertaken at the level of the Ministry. The findings are being examined.

Do you have a question?

Yes, with regard to the same page 176, 22900.837 – Expenses i.c.w. the National Initiative to Combat Drugs, may I know from the hon. Minister, the Rs2 million that has been budgeted for this financial year, how are they going to be spent?

This is a new provision which will be used to implement programmes on child sensitive drug use prevention, parental empowerment, counselling and mental health support, and community awareness across family, social welfare and community structures. These initiatives are in line with the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026-2030.

Page 177. We have already put the question. We move to the next item. (11.14 p.m.)

Page 179. Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Item 26313.066 - (c) Women Entrepreneurship Programmes, peut-on savoir combien de femmes ont bénéficié de ces programmes?

You can circulate if you do not have it.

Yes, I will circulate it.

Another question? Yes!

Item 22900.014 - (a) Home Economics Unit, est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir plus de détails sur cet item? En quoi est-ce qu'il consiste et pourquoi est-ce qu'il y a une augmentation dans l'allocation budgétaire ?

So, what is the question, please?

En quoi consiste le Home Economics Unit et pourquoi est-ce qu'il y a une augmentation dans l'allocation budgétaire?

The Home Economics Unit aims at promoting the social and economic empowerment of women and the community at large through capacity building projects, sensitisation programmes, talks and other activities pertaining to the field of home economics. Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare: Programme Code 0303: Women's Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming (Rs224,100,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.16 p.m.) Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare: Programme Code 0304: Child Protection, Welfare and Development was called.

Page 180. Now, your question!

Yes, thank you. May I ask the hon. Minister on Programme 0304 - Care and support services to children victims of violence, at page 180, the KPI. May we know the successful number of adoptions of children for the last financial year? Would you have that? The Adoption Council falls within this item. That is why I am asking.

I will circulate it.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Est-ce que la ministre pourra circuler le nombre d'adoptions traités par le National Adoption Council ? C'est cela la question. Okay. Donc, je viens sur l'item 21110.005 - Extra Assistance. Est-ce qu'on peut avoir la liste des bénéficiaires et leurs salaires ?

What is the question, please?

On page 181, item 21110.005 - Extra Assistance, if you can clarify.

On passe d'une allocation de 500,000 à....

Funds of Rs2 million will be used for the enlistment of five psychologists on sessional basis to be posted in the family support services to provide psychological support to victims and families. Increase in provision is to cater for enlistment of psychologists to bridge the gap in service delivery due to lack of personnel to provide timely psychological support, counselling and intervention services.

Thank you. On the same item, psychological services offered to children, may I know from the hon. Minister – she might not have the answer, but she can provide it later – the number of psychological assessments and therapies that have been offered to the children who have been victim of abuse, which is reported in the KPI? So, number of those children that have followed a psychological treatment by the Ministry.

This will be tabled, Madam Chairperson.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Item 22900.912 - (a) Long Term Care Institutions, l'allocation budgétaire a doublé. Est-ce qu'on peut savoir pourquoi ? La même page 181.

Long Term Care Institutions. So, provision for the running expenses of shelters under management services contracts – (i) Shelter La Cigogne; (ii) Shelter La Marguerite; (iii) Shelter l’Oasis; (iv) Notre Dame Relay Centre. Provision is also made for the day to day running of Shelter Cap l’Espoir.

Page 182? Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0304: Child Protection, Welfare and Development (Rs334,500,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.21 p.m.) Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0305: Family Well-Being and Protection from Gender-Based Violence was called.

Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Page 184, Item 22900.908 – (g) Mobile Application LESPWAR, est-ce qu’on pourrait savoir combien de demandes ont étaient reçues, combien d’appels?

• Number of people registered – 8,140; • Total panic alerts – 5,930; • Total call free – 2,631. Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0305: Family Well-Being and Protection from Gender-Based Violence (Rs80,400,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.23 p.m.) Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0306: Social Welfare and Community-Based Activities was called.

Pages 185 and 186? Yes.

On page 186, may I ask the hon. Deputy Prime Minister with regard to Item 28211.022 – Social Welfare Centres – (b) Expenses i.c.w. Evacuee Centres? Can the hon. Deputy Prime Minister provide this House with the list of equipment held by social welfare centres, with regard to evacuees, in respect to each social welfare centre? She can provide the list of equipment including the number of beds, etc.at a later stage.

Yes, it will be circulated.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Under the same Item 28211.022 – Social Welfare Centres – (a) Operational Costs for Social Welfare Centres, est-ce qu’il y aurait une allocation budgétaire prévue pour un nouveau social welfare centre à Glen Park, à Vacoas, s’il vous plait?

The answer is no. Deputy Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare – Programme Code 0306: Social Welfare and Community-Based Activities (Rs593,100,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.25 p.m.) Ministry of Housing and Lands – Programme Code 0401: Policy and Strategy for Housing and Lands (Rs143,700,000) was called and agreed to. (11.26 p.m.) Ministry of Housing and Lands – Programme Code 0402: Social Housing Development was called.

Yes. On which page?

It is the general KPI. Page 192 – Programme Code 0402: Social Housing Development. In regard to the 8,437 completed houses, can the hon. Minister provide us with the details of the constructor’s guarantees in respect of those houses?

So, for 2025-2026 it is 64%. You want what guarantee?

With regard to the constructor’s guarantees. Les garanties décennales, etc.

We will get the document and table it. Obviously, this is not in our possession today. This would not be a financial document, as you would agree, budgetary- wise but I will give it to you as we go along. Ministry of Housing and Lands – Programme Code 0402: Social Housing Development (Rs1,128,400,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.28 p.m.) Ministry of Housing and Lands – Programme Code 0403: Land Management and Physical Planning (Rs1,266,400,000) was called and agreed to. (11.29 p.m.) Valuation Department – Programme Code 0404: Valuation of Immovable Properties was called.

Page 198? Yes.

With regard to the main item heading, Programme Code 0404, with respect to the 9,000 provisional valuation requests that were attended to, may I know from the hon. Minister, the number of valuation reports that have been produced and the number of such reports that have been challenged?

I will circulate it. Thank you.

You can circulate it! Yes. Page 199? Valuation Department – Programme Code 0404: Valuation of Immovable Properties (Rs176,500,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.31 p.m.) Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme Code 0501: Policy and Strategy for Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (Rs129,100,000)) was called and agreed to. (11.32 p.m.) Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme Code 0502: Protection and Conservation of Environment was called.

Page 205?

Yes. I have a question on page 205. In respect of the main heading 0502 – Protection and Conservation of Environment - Coordinate actions for plastic management and enforcement of regulation, may we know from the hon. Minister in respect to the enforcement of plastic management, the number in terms of tons or cubic meters of plastic that has been finally disposed of by the Ministry?

For the current year 2025-2026, 10 crack downs have been affected. Cases in court: we have 74 contraventions. In terms of volume, I will circulate it.

Pages 205-207? Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme Code 0502: Protection and Conservation of Environment (Rs205,400,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.34 p.m.) Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme Code 0503: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation was called.

Page 208?

Page 209.

Page 209?

Yes, may I?

Yes.

With regard to Item 22120.008 – National Adaptation Plan. May I ask the hon. Minister for this financial year, a sum of Rs2 million is being budgeted for the plan. May we know the expected date of finalisation of the plan?

The plan is there. We will circulate the timetable of the adaptation plan.

You will circulate it.

I have a question.

Yes, okay.

In respect of the plan, will he then table the plan?

I will circulate the plan and give you the timetable of its implementation.

Alright. Thank you. Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme Code 0503: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (Rs52,200,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.36 p.m.) Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme 0504: Cleaning, Greening and Embellishment was called.

Pages 210-212, do you have a question?

Yes, I have a question for Sub-Programme 050402: Management of Public Beaches. May I know from the hon. Minister in respect to stray dogs on public beaches – although it does not fall under his Ministry. It falls under his management. And he will answer if he has information or not – for the last two financial years, the number of stray dogs that have been removed from public beaches by his Ministry?

This is a real problem. Now, I will not hide from this problem. So, we are working together with my colleague. I will not tell you the exact numbers, but this is a problem.

Kot mwa ena 30!

30?

Pages 212-213? Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme 0504: Cleaning, Greening and Embellishment (Rs1,899,700,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.39 p.m.) Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme Code 0505: Waste Management and Resource Recovery was called.

Page 214?

Yes, page 215. I have a question for the hon. Minister with respect to Item 22070.003 – Operation of Landfill Sites. I would like to know in respect to the sums being budgeted, how much of those sums are going specifically for fire fighting and fire management capabilities on landfill sites?

I do not have the exact amount now, but this is a lump sum for the whole operation. I can circulate exactly for the different components of the operation of the landfill.

Thank you. Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change – Programme Code 0505: Waste Management and Resource Recovery (Rs1,023,600,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.39 p.m.) Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries – Programme Code 0601: Policy and Strategy for Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries was called.

Page 218.

Yes.

Yes, go on! Stand up!

Yes, thank you. In respect to the to the programme, the KPI for the Ministry, with regard to the protection of from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, may I know from the hon. Minister, the number of contraventions and persecutions initiated for the last two financial years both inside Mauritian waters and in the EEZ?

It is asked to me like a parliamentary question! I certainly can circulate the information because these are specific questions. I will circulate the information.

Pages 219-222? Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries – Programme Code 0601: Policy and Strategy for Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (Rs242,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.41 p.m.) Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries - Programme Code 0602: Cane Industry (Rs1,378,000,000), was called and agreed to. (11.42 p.m.) Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries – Programme Code 0603: Food Crop and Livestock Sectors was called.

Page 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234.

Yes, I have one on page 234. Item 31113.047 – Construction of Dog Shelter. May I ask the hon. Minister, the number of dog shelters, because we see Rs 4.6 million being budgeted for the next three financial years. The amount of Rs 4.6 million has been budgeted for the next three financial years in total. So, how many dog shelters is he going to build with that sum of Rs4.6 million?

As far as I know, there has been one site identified for construction of dog shelter but as to the exact number, I do not it. They have told me what I have already said, there is only one dog shelter identified that will be constructed at Pamplemousses. Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries – Programme Code 0603: Food Crop and Livestock Sectors (Rs2,173,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.44 p.m.) Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Programme Code 0604: Forestry and Biodiversity, was called.

Page 236.

May I will ask the hon. Minister, in respect of the forestry and biodiversity of his Ministry, the number of leases that has been given in the last two financial years in respect of the terrains de chasse that fall within his Ministry. If he would give the details of these leases, please.

I will circulate, but I can tell you that the committee is chaired by the Senior Chief Executive, and she, together with the committee, are the ones who assess all the applications. I have been told that as at present, 54 leases have been given.

For the last two financial years?

Yes, that is the information I have been given.

Will you circulate the details thereof?

I have no problem to circulate.

Page 237, 238, 239, 240? On page 240? Okay.

Item 31410.401 – Rehabilitation of Nature Reserves & Parks. Est-ce qu'il peut nous donner plus de détails sur cet item ?

Well, from information given to me, it is quite long. Would you like me to circulate it?

Circulate it, if it is long. Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Programme Code 0604: Forestry and Biodiversity (Rs402,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.47 p.m.) Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Programme Code 0605: Blue Economy was called.

Page 242, hon. Ms J. Bérenger.

Item 21110.005 – Extra assistance, est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir plus de détails ?

Provision made for payment of salaries of advisor on contract. Again, quite lengthy. I better circulate it or would you like me to highlight? All right, okay, we will do that.

Circulate it. Page 243?

Yes, I have one with respect to Item 22120.024 – Fees i.c.w. Capacity Building Programme – Aquaculture (EU funded). May we know from the hon. Minister, in respect of the aquaculture capacity building programme, if we could have the details of, first of all, the number of persons that have been through the programme, and the details of the aquaculture programme that is being laid down?

Again, you see, we work very hard. You see how lengthy the reply is. So, to your satisfaction, I will circulate it. Unless you want me to highlight.

May we know where the aquaculture farms are going to be built?

In relation to aquaculture farm, we have said that we will have a one pilot project in lagoon and most of the other projects will be off lagoon. Prior to starting any of the projects, there will be wide discussion with all stakeholders to ensure that there is a wide consensus. In the meantime, I can circulate.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger.

À la même page 243, Item 22120.008 – Fees to Consultants. Les R 5.7 million, c'était pour quel projet ? Quels sont les consultants, s'il vous plaît ?

I have it here. In relation to the milestone and schedule of payment which is quite long. Would you like me to…? I better circulate it.

Page 244.

With regard to Sub-Programme 060502: Shipping – Enforce compliance of vessels with maritime standards, may I know the number of inspections on vessels carried out? 575 for the spent financial year. How many contraventions have been served? And if you could give the details in respect of the vessels that have been contravened, whether same relate to those fishing in the EEZ or transiting through the port. Thirdly, if there are any of those that have been seized during the last financial year?

In respect to enforcement compliance of vessels with maritime standard shipping, I have a figure here. I do not tend to subscribe to it myself. I will need to crosscheck with our officers. There is a provisional of 475 and we have a target of 500. The number of inspections on vessels will increase. I have it here. I am not too happy with the reply given to me. I will get the specific reply, and then I will circulate it.

When you feel happy, you circulate it.

No, because we need to supply information which is also reliable. It is not because my officers are giving me certain information that the answers are...

Okay, you will circulate the proper.

Yes.

Omwin enn bon minis!

Page 245? Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Item 21110.005 – Extra Assistance, est-ce qu’on pourrait avoir plus de détails, s’il vous plait ?

Provision is made for the payment of salary to fill the posts in scarcity areas such as – • one Deputy Director of Shipping; • one Nautical Surveyor; • Principal Nautical Surveyor; • Marine Engineering Surveyor; • two Nautical Inspectors; • one Marine Engineering Inspector, and • one Naval Architect. There is a decrease in the provision based on trend of expenditure.

Page 245?

Page 245, last item, Item 28213.010 – Mauritius Shipping Corporation Ltd – Rebate of 20% on Sea Freight to Rodrigues. Can the hon. Minister provide details on how this money has been used? You can circulate it, please?

I will circulate it. Thank you very much.

Page 246, 247?

In respect of the Sub-Programme 060503: Mauritius Maritime Training Academy, can I ask the hon. Minister two questions, in fact, Mr Chairperson? First, the reason for being under target by half. Second, may we know, from the 150 persons trained, which category has been trained? Skipper, etc.

In relation to the number of skippers trained, I know there has been quite a few who have undergone training, but I do not have the specific number. For engineers, I do not have a specific answer. In relation of seafarers trained, the target is 350. As of now, it is 150.

Why is that? (…)

We have to sensitize our young, to impress upon them the relevance and importance of being a seafarer. We have started slowly, but surely. Now, the circle is being widened and many youngsters are showing interest.

May I ask a follow-up question? With regard to the seafarers, may I know, out of these 150, have they been trained for commercial fishing or for hospitality? What are the training programmes?

As far as I know – because we attended a commercial venture, encouraged by the Mauritius Shipping Group, and that was on the Trochetia –, mainly, hospitality. I have been told also that there are some who have been trained to venture into the fishing industry, but on the other hand, a few have expressed interest in relation to commercial activities.

Page 248? Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries –Programme Code 0605: Blue economy (Rs379,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (11.56 p.m.) Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries – Programme Code 0606: Fisheries Development was called.

Page 249?

May I ask the hon. Minister with regard to the Sub-Programme 060601: Fisheries? In respect of local fishermen vessels, may I know the number of which have been seized, and the quantity of equipment, nets, etc., for illegal fishing that have been seized by the Fisheries Protection Service for the last financial year?

There is no information but we will get the information, and then we will circulate it. I am rather surprised that the information is not available, but as far as I know, there have been a few which have been arrested for illegal fishing activities.

Page 250? Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Item 22120.024 – Fees (a) Training of existing/new fishers, peut-on savoir combien de pêcheurs ont bénéficié de ce training?

Provision is made for general course for artisanal fishermen to fish outside the lagoon and around the fish aggregating devices; training for fishers and fishmongers, fish handling, preservation and marketing etc. to preserve the quality and increase shelf life of fish. I have been told the cost will cover trainer fees and stipend to fishers. Last time, Fisherman Cards were issued in December 2024. Now, in relation to the number of training of existing fishers, I see there is 1,000.

Yes, hon. Member.

Au bas de la page 250, Item 22900.042 – Reward for Sighting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Vessels, peut-on savoir quel est le montant qui a été dépensé et à combien de personnes ces rewards ont été octroyés ?

Reward in relation to unreported, unregulated and illegal fishing activities, is that what you asked? C’est ça. Provision is made for a reward for fishing operators and crew who alert the Ministry on what we call the IUU. The number that I have is 500, am I right? Again, no. None? I would have thought but as far as I know there has been a few ships that have been arrested for IUU fishing.

Page 251.

Yes, I have a question.

Page 251. I will come to you.

He can have it.

You can have it.

Thank you very much. Yes, I refer to page 251 – Item 28212.031 – Financial Assistance to Fishers for Purchase of Fishing Materials. May I know the number of fishers who benefitted from same from Rodrigues in the amount disbursed?

I will get the information and will circulate it.

Okay, hon. A. Duval!

Yes. May I ask in respect of Item 28212.002 – Compensation to Net Fishermen. We see that the programme has been rolled back quite substantially. May I know the number of beneficiaries for the last Financial Year and the number of beneficiaries that we are budgeting for this Financial Year?

I do not have the exact number of fishers who obtained the financial assistance although I have the amount of money disbursed but for compensation to net fishermen, the amount that was disbursed is Rs23 million. Now, compensation to net fishermen, I will circulate it.

Can I ask the same for the Artisanal Fishermen? The number of beneficiaries?

Yes, I will circulate.

Mr Chairperson, Page 251? If you allow me, Item 28225.008 – Off Lagoon Fishing Scheme of which (a) Purchase of Canotte. May I know the number approved for Rodrigues?

As far as canottes are concerned, we have encouraged fishermen to move off lagoon. Unfortunately, there is none for Rodrigues but as far as Mauritius is concerned, it is over here but again if we have to make provision for Rodrigues, we will do it without any problem.

Page 252?

Yes, I have a question. With regard to the aqua drone’s item 31122.999 – Acquisition of Other Machinery and Equipment - Aqua Drones. We see the project of Rs21 million for the acquisition of Aqua drones. Rs1 million to be disbursed in this Financial Year. Can we know, from the hon. Minister, what is this Aqua drone acquisition programme?

Well, provision made for procurement of two Aqua drones on a pilot basis for coastal surveillance due to inadequate manpower from the Fisheries Protection Service and that was advice tendered by the Director of Audit.

Okay, I will put the question now. Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries – Programme Code 0606: Fisheries Development (Rs590,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to.

So, we will break for tea or coffee probably and we will come back in half an hour. At 00.05 a.m. the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 00.39 a.m. with the Deputy Speaker in the Chair.

Please be seated! (00.39 a.m.) Ministry of National Infrastructure – Programme Code 0701: Policy and Strategy for National Infrastructure Development was called.

Page 257?

I have a question on page 257, Mr Chairperson. With regard to 0702 - Percentage of existing public buildings retrofitted to comply with safety, accessibility, sustainability and quality standards, may we know for the public buildings, the number of which are still not issued with a fire certificate and the appropriate safety standards?

If you need the number of buildings, I will check it and I will circulate the information.

Page 258, 259? Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Page 259, item 21110.005 - Extra Assistance, can we have the list of the beneficiaries and their salary?

Yes, Extra assistance, it is for one Advisor on Information Matters, one Advisor on Public Relation Matters, and one Advisor – • the Advisor on Information Matters: Mr Didier Rose; • the PRO who I answered last financial year, same person: Jaweed Mahmood Ahmad Taujoo, and • the Advisor, Mr Dinesh Boodoo, and one I sacked. Mr Thierry Didier Rose, salary Rs76,925, like all Information Advisors. The PRO, like all PROs, Rs60,000, and the Advisor like all Advisors, Rs68,000.

Page 260!

On page 260 – Item 22900.837 – Expenses i.c.w. the National Initiative to Combat Drugs, can the hon. Minister lay down the initiatives for us in respect of the Rs2 million budgeted for this year for his Ministry?

For my Ministry, in fact, what we are doing, the National Drug Control Master Plan 2026-2030, sets out a comprehensive evidence-based strategy to address evolving drug challenges. The plan adopts a human rights-based and gender-responsive approach, targeting key risks such as synthetic drug proliferation, youth drug use, trafficking and public health concern. Provision has been made to cater for sensitisation campaign activities and awareness campaigns targeting schools and communities in connection with drug supply reduction, drug demand reduction, health and well-being and coordination to educate. My Ministry plans to carry out sensitisation campaigns through the Citizen Advice Bureau.

Yes?

Page 260, item 22030.005 - Rental of Facilities for Events, est-ce qu'on peut savoir le montant dépensé pour l'année financière passée et la liste des événements et les prestataires?

Mr Chairperson, this is for the tents for different socio-cultural activities. The list is very long throughout the whole year. Rs17.5 million was earmarked, but we spent much more because there is demand everywhere and we try to satisfy everywhere. So, I will circulate the list, and it is a big list. Ministry of National Infrastructure – Programme Code 0701: Policy and Strategy for National Infrastructure Development (Rs188,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (00.44 a.m.) Ministry of National Infrastructure – Programme Code 0702: Technical Services for Construction and Maintenance of Government Assets, was called.

Page 262, yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Toujours le même item 21110.005, Extra Assistance – est-ce qu'on peut avoir plus de détails ?

I will give you. So, Extra assistance, is provision for the payment of allowance as follows – • pre-registration trainee engineers; • architects, and • one geotechnical expert on contract from Japan. So, this is for payment of allowances for training of professionals.

Page 263. Yes?

Item 22130.001 – Studies and Surveys, il y a une allocation budgétaire de R 10 millions pour l'année financière à venir. Est-ce que les consultants ont déjà été recrutés ? Si oui, est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir la liste ?

So, for the studies and surveys, it is for improving accessibility to public infrastructure. So, provision is for assessment on how to enhance access to public services through a comprehensive upgrade of vital facilities and equipment across the country. So, I do not think that my Ministry needs consultants to do that. We have engineers, we have all professionals in the Ministry.

On which page?

On page 267, with regard to item 31112.401 - Upgrading of Office Buildings - Renovation of Ex-Tobacco Board Building - Claudette - 1st Floor, there is a project value of Rs12,500,000. Would you be able to give us the details, even if you circulate it, of the renovation works carried out on the first floor?

Okay, I will circulate it.

Yes, hon. Ms J. Bérenger?

Page 267 – Item 22900 - Other Goods and Services, est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir plus de détails?

Other Goods and Services is an expenditure consisting of items – Uniform and Miscellaneous Expenses. So, it consists of provision made for the purchase of minor and non-recurring items not catered for under any specific expenditure; items such as replenishment of imprest amongst others. Ministry of National Infrastructure – Programme Code 0702: Technical Services for Construction and Maintenance of Government Assets (Rs725,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (00.48 a.m.) Ministry of National Infrastructure – Programme Code 0703: Construction and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges was called.

Page 270?

With regard to item 31113.003 - (o) Motorway M4 from Forbach to Bel Air, will the hon. Minister be able to table the feasibility report for the M4 and the EIA report in respect thereof?

I will circulate what we have. Ministry of National Infrastructure – Programme Code 0703: Construction and Maintenance of Roads and Bridges (Rs3,484,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (00.49 a.m.) National Development Unit – Programme Code 0704: Land Drainage and Community Infrastructure Development was called.

Page 271?

(Interruptions)

Maintenance of drainage infrastructure, watercourses and rivers, can the hon. Minister table the details of the 197 inspections conducted during the Financial Year 2025-2026?

You mean to say to give you the list of all the inspections that they have done? Okay, I will circulate it.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Sur la même page, Item 21110.005 – Extra Assistance, en quoi consiste l’Extra Assistance pour cette section ?

Provision is maintained for the recruitment of an officer on contract to advise on the National Development Matters.

À qui est alloué le contrat ?

I just said provision has been made for the recruitment of an officer. He has not yet been recruited.

Pages 272-274? Ministry of National Infrastructure – Programme Code 0704: Land Drainage and Community Infrastructure Development (Rs598,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (12.52 a.m.) Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0801: Policy and Strategy for Health Sector was called.

Pages 275-276?

Thank you, Mr Chairperson. In respect of the programme’s KPI, 0803: Public Hospital and Specialised Medical Care, Percentage of patients reporting satisfaction with public healthcare services, may I know from the hon. Minister the actual percentage of satisfaction rate? The provisional one is 60%, down 7% from the target rate. So, first, the actual rate now, if he has it. The final rate? Second, the reason, if any, for the lower satisfaction identified?

The project was launched on 24 March 2026, which means recently. Around 150 responses have been received at the time of reporting, which is very small compared to the total number of attendances. Out of the 150, 60% is satisfied with the service. That is the information that I have.

Just to clarify. I understand that the survey has been done on 150 patients island-wide.

This is what I am made to understand, but it was launched recently. That explains why there has been a low percentage of people participating.

Pages 277-278? Put your question!

Page 278, with regard to digitalise health services, connection to the e- Health system, will the hon. Minister provide us with the details of the e-health programme, including the institutions that have been connected and the percentage connection in those institutions?

This is a project which has recently started. As far as I know, the work has been completed in one of them, that is, the Flacq region, the eastern region. We have started it already. It will take a little bit of time. With regard to the e-health project, continuous progress is being made concerning its implementation. The transition to a digital health ecosystem is a complex undertaking, but our latest operational statistics demonstrate strong system adoption for the period extending from August 2025 up to the most recent data captured in June 2026. The core modules of e- health system reflect the following activity levels – it is very long. I would like to circulate it.

I have a more specific question. What is the amount of patients’ records that has been digitalised to date through the e-health system?

The total is 150,638 registrations. This the information that I have with me.

Can the Minister clarify what he means by registration? Are those patients’ files?

These are patients who have registered. • The appointments also have been registered: 42,030. • Doctors’ consultations: 268,452. All these have already been recorded.

Page 279?

I do not think we are on the same page. For the e-health system, if you can seek the information and circulate it.

I am going to circulate the information which is made available to me.

I repeat the question so that you understand it. The digitalisation rate of patients’ files, complete patients’ records.

You will look at the number of patients whose files have been digitalised, and you circulate it.

This is exactly what I am telling.

Pages 279- 281? Page 280, come on!

Item 27210.008 – Assistance to Patients Inoperable in Mauritius - Overseas Treatment Scheme, may we know, out of the 200 million budgeted last year, the number of patients that have been sent overseas? If he will also tell us for the categories of operations made?

This concerns overseas treatment. So, for July 2025 to April 2026, for adults – • cardiac treatment: 15; • neurosurgical: 77; • others (leukemia, orthopaedic, ENT, cancer, electron, renal transplant): 176; • eye treatment: 6. In all, the total is 274. As far as the children are concerned, it is 176. The total is 450.

Which page? 280, come on!

Item 26313.173 – Digital Health Co. Ltd, can the hon. Minister state or table the composition of this company and the fees payable to them?

One second, I will give you the information.

You will circulate the information?

I do have it. Digital Health Company Limited was established under the aegis of my Ministry, incorporated on 19 September 2024, under the Companies Act. Its main objective is to act as a central institutional mechanism for long-term implementation, governance and sustainability of national e-health system and all digital health initiative. It provides dedicated oversight, strategic direction, operational support to drive the digital transformation of the public health sector, ensuring that modern interoperable and resilient systems underpin the delivery of health services across Mauritius. As I told you, it was constituted in 2025. I can circulate it to you.

May I ask the hon. Minister, under Item 31122.442 – Upgrading of Building - Warehouse for Medical Supplies, I am glad to see 200 million being budgeted. If he can give the details of this project?

Upgrading of buildings. So, in view of the high number of expired drugs, provision has been made to meet cost for renting or acquiring a large fit-for-purpose warehouse for the storage of pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical items as well as for refurbishment. Currently, drugs are being stored at Central Supplies Division (CSD), La Rosa, New Grove and Castel, that is it.

Could we have details of the refurbishment works being contemplated?

Well, I do not have it because, money has just been voted. Now we are going to look after that.

Yes, hon. Baboolall!

Still on page 280, Capital Expenditure Item 31132.118 –Digitalisation of Hospital Services – (a) e-health. Can the hon. Minister give detail about the Rs103 million? How much has been spent?

Yes. Digitalisation of hospital services. Provision remains in relation to digital health projects, namely the national e-health project, hardware and software and managed services for national laboratory information management. Provision made for the implementation of phase one of the project. Well, the amount of cumulative expenditure as at 31 May 2026 is Rs74.8 million.

Okay, on the same page.

Toujours sur l'Item 27210.008 – Assistance to Patients Inoperable in Mauritius – Overseas Treatment Scheme. Est-ce que l’honorable ministre pourrait donner la liste des cliniques étrangères qui bénéficient de ces fonds ?

I have just circulated. I have just mentioned it.

But is it not the same question.

The number of patients the number of patients who are undergoing treatment I have mentioned this about more than 400.

It is not the same question. My question is about the private clinics that benefit from …

Yes. Well, I have got a long list of about 24.

Est-ce qu’il pourrait aussi indiquer le montant des dettes que l'on doit aux cliniques ?

I beg your pardon? How much do we owe?

Yes.

We have already nearly paid because there was a huge debt of the previous government of over Rs700 million and we have been able to pay up till now. There must be some sort of (…) but I do not have the exact figure. We are still paying.

On pourrait avoir la liste ?

Yes, I can circulate.

Pages 281,282? Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0801: Policy and Strategy for Health Sector (Rs 1,378,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.04 a.m.) Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0802: Community and Preventive Healthcare was called.

Page 283, 284.

In respect of the KPIs, Prevention, treatment and management of NCDs. May I ask the hon. Minister, the first issue is mortality amongst 30 to 70 years old per 100,000 population. The rate has increased and the reasons identified in respect thereof? The second KPI, as well. We are well above the target for the percentage of secondary school students who are obese/overweight. Could you give us the reasons that have been identified?

Yes. Most countries in the world with an aging population are witnessing an increasing mortality due to NCD, that is, non-communicable diseases. In Mauritius, we are also witnessing this trend. However, over the past 10 years, we have neglected prevention, early detection and management of non-communicable diseases and we are paying the price today. We have now the NCD National Integrated Action Plan, the National Service Framework for NCDs and we are implementing the recommendation of International Advisory Committee. We expect, at least, to reverse the trend in the coming years. So, all that is happening is a result of negligence of the past years.

What about for the overweight and obese school children?

The same thing. They have not cared for our children. Now we are having extra sessions in the schools also. We are sending all our officers and they are training our children. We are we are trying to campaign.

No, we are going on policy now.

Would you be able to table the report for the benefit of the House?

Well, if the reports are available, I am going to table but this is an ongoing process. Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0802: Community and Preventive Healthcare (Rs1,808,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.06 a.m.) Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0803: Public Hospital and Specialised Medical Care was called.

Page 287.

Yes. May I ask the hon. Minister, we have got to the Programme 0803: Public Hospitals and Specialised Medical Care. More specifically with regards to the Specialised medical treatment and long-term patient management. May I ask the hon. Minister, in respect of drug addicts that undergo the programme, if any, will he be able to state the number thereof, and of course, the percentage of patients of whom was successfully rehabilitated?

Well, we have got a few centres in our country that falls under my Ministry and we are trying to give treatment to those patients but I do not have the figures with me. If you can come with a substantive question in Parliament, I am going to answer you. But in fact, we are doing a good job in that.

May I ask the hon. Minister. This is a performance-based budget. There are KPIs. You should under this heading provide the information. So, if you can.

He has asked the question.

He can circulate it after but I do not have to come with a PQ.

If you do not have the answer now, you will circulate it.

I do not have the information now but I have already mentioned that effort is being made from our side and at the same time, now, we have got a new institution NADC which has come into the field.

Mr Chairperson, I do not want to argue. All I am saying is.

I have told you, I am going to circulate the answer.

Yes, he will circulate. Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0803: Public Hospital and Specialised Medical Care (Rs16,017,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.09 a.m.) Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0804: Public Health and Disease Control was called.

Page 297.

In respect to Programme 0804, KPI – Detection response to infectious/vector borne diseases. May I know from the hon. Minister the amount of modified mosquitoes that have been released to curb the population of mosquitoes?

Over 2 million.

Last time I asked you, you said you could not count.

I beg your pardon? That is why, I could not count, I said average, approximately. I did not say exactly how much.

Page 298. Yes.

Item 221120 - Drug Users Administrative Panel. Si je ne me trompe pas, c'est ce panel qui décide de l'utilisation ou non de l'huile de cannabis pour les patients. Est-ce qu'on pourrait savoir combien de requêtes ont été reçues dans ce sens et combien ont été approuvées ?

I did not get you. Please repeat the question.

Si je ne me trompe pas, c'est ce panel qui décide de l'utilisation ou non de l'huile de cannabis pour les patients qui en ont besoin. Est-ce qu'on pourrait savoir combien de requêtes ont été reçues et combien ont été approuvées ?

Okay, I am going to answer you. Provision is made for the operationalisation of the Drug Users Administrative Panel and paying of the fees of the Chairperson and members of the of the panel. The composition of the panel is at Annex 5. The Drug Users Panel is fully operational since 15 April 2024 to assist drug users referred to it by the Police. As at 31 March 2026, the Police had intercepted 2,363 drug users and 690 have agreed to be referred to the DUAP for treatment.

Answer the question. If it is long, you circulate it.

Okay.

You do not have to wait to give a history of that. Straight to the question!

Yes. Remember we are here to get answers as well, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Yes, but you will get your answer either today or it will be circulated.

Yes. On page 298, Item 22900.982-Synthetic Drug Prevention Programme, can you give us the details of the programme, including actions taken so far?

Yes. I will give you. So, provision has been made for sensitisation and awareness campaigns, pamphlets, medias and video course on synthetic and other drugs targeting mainly the use in and out of schools as well as the community. The contract has been awarded to Digital Kites Ltd for an amount of Rs3.8 million for a national mass media, social media campaign against synthetic drugs and other drugs.

Pages 299-300? Ministry of Health and Wellness – Programme Code 0804: Public Health and Disease Control (Rs597,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (01.14 a.m.) Ministry of Tourism – Programme Code 0901: Policy and Strategy for Tourism Development, was called.

Pages 301-303?

Can I ask the hon. Minister with regard to the Program Code 0901 – Develop Policies and Strategies for the development of the Tourism Sector. So, the program is: Mauritius maintained as an attractive and desirable tourist destination. May I know from the hon. Minister, the customer satisfaction surveys done at departure from the airport in respect of the last financial year? If you can give us the percentage of tourists having given a positive survey? Do you have this figure? This is something that that is taken for statistics.

I know, but I do not have it. I can circulate it if you want.

Circulate it. Pages 303-305?

Yes, I have on page 304. In respect of Capital Expenditure, Item 31113 – The Upgrading of Touristic and Leisure Infrastructure, can we have the details of that project? Can you give the details for this financial year? The sums and the projects to be financed.

Can I circulate it?

Page 305? Ministry of Tourism – Programme Code: 0901, Policy and Strategy for Tourism Development, (Rs137,800,000) was, on question put, agreed to (1.17 a.m.) Ministry of Tourism – Programme Code 0902: Regulation and Control of Tourism Related Activities was called.

Page 306.

Yes, I have a question. With regard to Item 26313.09 (b) – Tourism Sites Cleaning and Embellishment Programme, may we know for the last financial year, how this sum has been disbursed and the sites that have been embellished? You can circulate it if you do not have it.

Yes, I can circulate it. Ministry of Tourism – Programme Code 0902: Regulation and Control of Tourism Related Activities (Rs172,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.19 a.m.) Ministry of Tourism – Programme Code 0903: Destination Promotion was called.

Page 306?

I have a question. With regard to Item 26313.047 – MTPA, may we know for Item (b) Promotion and Destination Support, (i) Destination Promotion, the list of overseas tourism fairs participated by the MTPA? The details of the fairs participated at, and of course, the costs and who participated?

Yes, I can circulate it. The list is very long. Ministry of Tourism – Programme Code 0903: Destination Promotion (Rs587,500,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.19 a.m.) Ministry of Tourism - Programme Code 0904: Capacity Building in the Hospitality Sector was called.

Page 308.

I have a last question on Ecole Hôtelière Sir Gaëtan Duval, capacity building. May I know from the hon. Minister the number of students, for the last financial year, that have undergone training in respect of des formations? Second, in respect of refresher courses that have been taken at Ecole Hôtelière Sir Gaëtan Duval?

Yes. 1,368 students were enrolled in 2025. Ministry of Tourism – Programme Code 0904: Capacity Building in the Hospitality Sector (Rs 102,700,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.21 a.m.) Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity – Programme Code 1001: Policy and Strategy for Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity was called.

Page 309.

I have one. In respect of the KPI for Social Protection, may I know from the hon. Minister the number of households under the SRM that have successfully been connected with free internet by his Ministry?

I can give the answer for the performance indicator if you want or otherwise, I can give the details. You want me to table it? I can table it. It is lengthy. I have already reported on it in the National Assembly.

Yes.

On page 311, in respect of the Policy and Strategy for Social Integration, Action plan for disability, may we know in respect thereof, the actual number of registered disabled persons who have joined the workforce?

I do not have the information now. I will table it.

Page 312. Hon. Ms J. Bérenger.

Page 312, Item 22900.856, expenses i.c.w Just Transition Commission, est-ce qu'on pourra avoir plus de détails comment cette allocation budgétaire sera dépensée?

This is a new item which has been incorporated in this budget and it is meant for the Ministry developing programs for social justice and environmental justice in the context of climate change.

Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir plus de détails sur comment cette allocation budgétaire sera dépensée?

Yes, I can give you the general details. Since this government has taken over, my Ministry is now responsible for climate related victims. This will be one of the dimensions that we will address.

Hon. Mr A. Duval.

Yes, on page 312, Item 22900.837 – Expenses i.c.w the National Initiative to Combat Drugs, can you please outline the plan for your Ministry?

Yes, this money and fund will be dedicated to programmes which will involve vulnerable people that we cater for under the social integration programme. And we cater mainly for poor people in many regions. The program will be developed together with NADC.

Just as a matter clarification, is it that the programme will be developed, out of which, the Rs2 million will be spent or there is a programme?

No, this is a new program.

Okay, but we have heard for the other Ministries, some of them have been developed already.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger.

Page 312, Item 22120 – Fees. Il y a une augmentation considérable dans l'allocation budgétaire. Est-ce qu'on peut savoir en quoi consistent ces fees ?

Yes. Provision is being made for payment of fees to Chairperson and members of committees, departmental bid committees and Bid Evaluation Committee and this includes the fees for Chairperson, members of board and committee members. Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity –Programme Code 1001: Policy and Strategy for Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity (Rs 160,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.27 a.m.) Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity –Programme Code 1002: Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment was called.

Yes, on which page?

On page 315, in relation to Item 27210. 014 – Poverty and Empowerment (b)Educational Support – (i)the Creche Scheme, may I know from the hon. Minister, the number of crèches that fall under that scheme and the number of children that are cared after in the respective crèches?

Yes, there has been an increase. The increase in provision is to cater for payment of child allowance for a greater number of eligible SRM household in respect of children attending a registered educational institution following revision of poverty threshold from Rs14,500 to Rs 16,400. I do not have the number of creches. I can table it.

Can I have another question? On same page, in respect of Item 26323.135 – National Empowerment Foundation, in respect of the upgrading of living environments in the deprived regions, may we have the list of projects that have been upgraded in the last two financial years?

Yes, this is for social housing for vulnerable groups. Provisions have been made for upgrading houses for some 24 SRM households and fire natural disasters victims. Upgrading works include minor electrical plumbing work, roof repairs and CIS housing units.

Thank you. The question was for upgrading of living environment. That is Item 26313.135 – National Empowerment Foundation – (b) Upgrading of living environment in deprived regions. If we could get the list of the environments that have been upgraded.

Yes. I will circulate the list.

I have a last question, Mr Chairperson. With regards to Item 26323.135 – National Empowerment Foundation – Social Housing for Vulnerable Groups – (i) Construction of Social Housing Unit. May we have for the last Financial Year the list of projects that have been financed with last year's budget, and for this Financial Year, the list of projects that are intended to be financed?

I will table the list. Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity – Programme Code 1002: Poverty Alleviation and Empowerment (Rs 1,195,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.31 a.m.) Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity – Programme Code 1003: Social Protection was called.

Page 317, 318.

Yes, I have a question!

Page 318?

Item 22900.098 – Expenses i.c.w. Demolition of Building. Il y a une allocation budgétaire pour l'année à venir, mais il n'y a pas pour les années suivantes. Est-ce qu'on peut savoir en quoi consiste cet item ?

Provision is made for the proposed demolition of the derelict buildings, former social security offices at Bambous and Bel Air.

Page 318.

Page 318. Item 27210.002 – Social Aid of which Assistance to Professional Fishermen. May we know from the Rs360 million budgeted last year, the number of beneficiaries who have been recorded and the expected number of beneficiaries for this Financial Year?

I will circulate this information.

Page 319.

Yes, I have one. With regard to the Programme 100302 – Integration and Protection of Persons with Disabilities. Number of persons with disabilities trained. There was a targeted 30 persons to be trained for which we voted last year. But there are no provisional figures which have been provided. May we have now the final figures?

Page 319. I do not have this information but I can circulate it.

Page 320.

Wait, …

It will be circulated. Page 320.

If he has it, say it.

Okay. Yes, I can give you this information. For provision of disability- oriented services, the Key Performance Indicator was the time taken to process applications for assistive devices in terms of the number of weeks. So, the targeted indicator was three weeks and the second indicator.

Hon. Minister, it is about the second indicator that I am asking.

The second indicator.

Number of persons with disabilities trained.

I will circulate this information.

Okay. Page 320. Yes.

Donc, page 320, Item 22120.007 – Fees for Training –Mauritian Sign Language. J’ai l’impression que c'est un nouvel item. Il y a une allocation budgétaire de R 1,300,000 pour l'année financière à venir. Est-ce qu'on peut savoir combien de personnes vont être formées en langage des signes et éventuellement est-ce qu'on bénéficiera enfin de traducteur en langage des signes pour la retransmission des travaux parlementaires ?

Yes. This is a provision made for training of public officers and non- public officers to become MSL interpreters in schools, hospitals, police station, court and other instances where interpretation in Mauritian sign language is required. The training will be conducted in collaboration with the Society for the Welfare of Deaf and Indian Sign Languages Interpreters Association. I am advised that the number you are requiring is 20.

I have a question.

Yes.

Yes. Page 320. Item 26313.093 – Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board. Two questions. First, composition of the board. Second, the number of contraventions issued in the last financial years to companies not complying with the minimum threshold of disability employment.

We are in a transition situation. I do not have the figures. When we have the figures, we will communicate it to you.

And the composition of the Board?

We will circulate the information.

Page 321? Page 322? Page 323? Which page?

Page 322. Thank you, Mr Chairperson. Item 22120.001 – Fees for Medical Boards and Domiciliary Visits. Mr Chairperson, first, may we know out of the Medical Boards the number of applications that have been received and turned down, and appealed, and successful?

These are information that I have already provided to this House. I will be happily providing it again under this item. But let me say that this provision is fees for domiciliary visits to some 27,017 beneficiaries. Payment for 324 doctors, 24 nurses, 9 psychotherapists and 5 occupational therapists visiting charitable institutions, Foyer Trochetia and recreational centres. With this budget, we are programming 2,854 new beneficiaries aged 85 to 89 years. These are some of the information that I can provide.

Just a further question, Mr Chairperson. May we know from the last financial year to this financial year which is being spent, the number of beneficiaries that have benefited from the Medical Boards in respect of the last financial year and this financial year.

I will circulate. I have circulated this several times.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Oui, toujours à la même page, Item 28212.013 – Gifts to Centenarians. Combien de centenaires ont bénéficié de la dernière allocation budgétaire et pourquoi est-ce que l'allocation budgétaire pour la….

Please give me a minute so I can get the page. What is the page, please? Yes, please.

Quelle est la somme dépensée pour la dernière année financière et combien de centenaires ont bénéficiés de ce montant et pourquoi l’allocation budgétaire a presque doublé pour la prochaine année budgétaire ? Est-ce que c’est le nombre de centenaires qui a augmenté ou les cadeaux qui ont grossi ?

Yes, you are right. The increase in provision is due to an expected increase in the number of centenarians. And for more information, I can say we have 237 centenarians right now; females: 191 in Mauritius, and 9 in Rodrigues. So, the increase is for the increase in the number. We can say our elders are in good health. Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity – Programme Code 1003: Social Protection (Rs2,184,000,000), was, on question put, agreed to. (01.42 a.m.) Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity – Programme Code 1004: National Pensions was called.

Page 323?

On page 323, Programme Code 1004 – Management of basic pensions, the sums of basic pensions overpaid, including the 25% recouped for the last two financial years?

Yes, we are more or less within the target. 24% of overpayment in pensions has been recouped as at May 2026. Out of Rs236.3 million, Rs56.8 million have been recouped and it is expected to reach the 25% at the end of June 2026.

May we have the figures for the last financial year?

No, I do not have this.

It is in the Audit Report.

Okay. Page 324?

With regard to Item 27210.107 – State Age Pension, may we know out of the Rs20,500,000 that is being budgeted in this financial year, the number now of beneficiaries that you expect to pay out of this sum, indicating if same is going to be done at the age of 65 or at the age prior to 65?

Yes. Modalities for the implementation of the State Age Pension are being finalised at the level of the Ministry of Finance. Once we get the details, we will communicate to the House. Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity – Programme Code 1004: National Pensions (Rs66,071,000,000), was, on question put, agreed to. (1.45 a.m.) Attorney General’s Office – Programme Code 1101: Policy and Strategy for Legal and Drafting Services was called.

Page 328?

I have a question. Item 22900.847 – Expenses i.c.w. Law Practitioners Complaints Commission, may we know from the hon. Attorney General whether the Complaints Commission has been set up, if we can have the composition and walk us through the budget?

The Commission has been set up since 01 June 2026, having for – • Chairman Mr Eddy Balancy, former Chief Justice; • Vice-Chair, Benjamin Joseph, former Justice, and • Mr Reddy, former Assistant Solicitor General as the next Vice Chairman. Then you got three barristers appointed by the Bar Council, three attorneys appointed by the Law Society and three notaries by the Chamber of Notaries. The emoluments of the members are still at the level of the High-Powered Committee.

Can I ask the hon. Attorney General in relation to the National Initiative to Combat Drugs for his Ministry? If you could outline the general details, please?

We are still working on it.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Item 22120.011 – Fees i.c.w Privy Council Cases, peut-on savoir combien de cas sont devant le Privy Council et à qui seront payés les legal fees ?

There are 10 cases pending before the Privy Council. I can circulate the list for you. Attorney General’s Office – Programme Code 1101: Policy and Strategy for Legal and Drafting Services (Rs408,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.48 a.m.) Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning – Programme Code 1201: Policy and Strategy for the Financial Services Sector and Economic Planning was called.

Page 333?

Item 21110.005 – Extra Assistance, est-ce qu'on peut avoir la liste des bénéficiaires, les noms et leur salaire, s'il vous plaît?

The Extra Assistance is a provision, Mr Chairperson, for advisor who has not been recruited. So, it is just a provision at the moment. Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning – Programme Code 1201: Policy and Strategy for the Financial Services Sector and Economic Planning (Rs57,600,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.50 a.m.) The following Programme Codes were called and agreed to – 1202: Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning – Financial Services Sector Development (Rs180,600,000) 1203: Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning – Promotion of Good Governance (Rs83,300,000) 1204: Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning – Economic Planning (Rs30,500,000) 1301: Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities –Policy and Strategy for Energy and Public Utilities (Rs113,000,000) 1302: Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities – Energy Services (Rs81,000,000). (1.54 a.m.) Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities – Programme Code 1303: Water Services was called.

Pages 350-351? Yes.

Page 351. Item 22030 – Rent, can the Minister specify how many of the sum has been disbursed for the last financial year in rental of high value cars by the CWA? Luxury cars, actually.

This provision is for WRC.

May I ask the hon. Minister – we are talking of the CWA – in respect of fees for payment of luxury cars by the CWA, under which item was it spent, and the amount?

You have to go to the item. You ask questions on the code of each item. Do not ask for an item under a code. This is the other way round. La nou pe al anba lao!

Mr Chairperson, il doit venir avec une PQ carrément pour pouvoir avoir ces renseignements.

Actually, Mr Chairperson, I have the item. Item 21111.002 – Travelling and Transport, surely it has to be under that. Otherwise, it is making an act of disappearance in this Estimates.

Yes, it is for WRC, not for the CWA.

Pages 352-354? Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities – Programme Code 1303: Water Services (Rs3,582,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (1.58 a.m.) The following Programme Codes were called and agreed to – 1304: Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities – Wastewater Services (Rs1,162,000) 1305: Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities – Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Services (Rs22,000,000). 1401: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade – Policy and Strategy for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (Rs140,000,000). (2.01 a.m.) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade – Programme Code 1402: Foreign Relations was called.

Page 364.

Yes, I have. May I ask the hon. Minister, Programme 140201: Bilateral, Multilateral and International Relations. Number of high-level diplomatic visits, meetings and summits attended or hosted. His Ministry has far exceeded the target. He has achieved three times the targeted outcome. Could we have the list of events, visits and summit attended or hosted by his Ministry in respect of the 31 provisional? Actually, could we have the final figure as well?

We have increased the target; therefore, we are doing a good job.

That is what I said.

Yes, so we will circulate it. Thank you.

It will be circulated. Page 365.

Item 22900.014 – Hospitality and Ceremonies – (c) Expenses i.c.w. Sustainable Development Unit. Peut-on savoir comment ont été dépensés les R 700,000 par rapport au développement durable ?

Well, I do not have the information in my file, but I can circulate it. Okay, it is coming. It has not been spent.

Page 366.

Yes, I have one. Sub-Programme 140202: Overseas Missions. KPI – Number of agreements and MOUs under negotiations or concluded. May I ask the hon. Minister, since in the last two financial years, the number of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) that have been concluded or that are negotiated and to be concluded in the last two financial years.

DTAs falls under the Ministry of Finance. We signed FTAs. If you would like, we can circulate the list of FTAs and EPAs.

Page 367.

Yes, I have. With regard to rent, Item 22030 – Rent Rs251 million. Can the hon. Minister, in respect of the last financial year, table the list of expenses, mission by mission, with regard to rent? And secondly, can he also explain the additional Rs20 million or so increase for this Financial Year?

If it is a long list, you circulate it.

It is a long list. I am circulating the list.

Very good. Next question.

But he did not explain.

It is in the list.

It will be circulated. Hon. Ms J. Bérenger.

Yes. À la page 367, Item 22190.005 – Other Expenses. Est-ce qu'on pourrait savoir en quoi consistent ces Other Expenses et combien ont été dépensés sur les R 19 millions ?

These are provisions made for payment of refund of medical expenses for ambassadors, home-based staff and their families as per the provisions of the PRB report. Subscription of TV channels, contribution to African and Chinese groups, Swift and bank charges, celebration of Africa Day in some missions. The increase is based on current trend of expenditure and fluctuation in exchange rates. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade –Programme Code 1402: Foreign Relations (Rs 1,530,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. The following Programme Codes were called and agreed to – 1403: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade – International Trade (Rs44,000,000) 1404: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade – Industrial Property Rights (Rs22,500,000) (2.07 a.m.) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade – Programme Code 1405: Human Rights was called.

Page 374.

KPI – je fais remplacement. Le target était de six awareness campaigns et on en a que deux. Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir une explication ?

Well, the target is six and I am just waiting for the reason why. So, there were in fact four awareness campaigns. There was one in trafficking in person. The other one is convention against torture. There is one on privacy and the other one national reporting tracking database. There were four in all. Well, the target was six, we managed four. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade – Programme Code 1405: Human Rights (Rs30,500,000) was, on question put and agreed to. (2.09 a.m.) Ministry of Youth and Sports – Programme 1501: Policy and Strategy for Youth and Sports was called.

Page 376, 377, 378, 379. Which page?

Je suis allée trop vite ; désolée.

Page?

Item 21110.005 – Extra Assistance. Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir la liste, s'il vous plaît ?

Page 378, Extra Assistance.

It is a long list. I can table it. It is a very long list. Ministry of Youth and Sports – Programme Code 1501: Policy and Strategy for Youth and Sports (Rs93,200,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.11 a.m.) Ministry of Youth and Sports – Programme Code 1502: Promotion and Development of Sports was called.

Page 380?

Peut-on savoir pourquoi est-ce qu'il y a eu moins d'athlètes qui ont bénéficié d'un support que prévu? À la page 380, KPI.

Can I get the question?

Peut-on savoir pourquoi est-ce qu'il y a eu moins d'athlètes qui ont bénéficié d'un soutien du ministère que ce qui était prévu?

The number of athletes and para-athletes supported: 290. 190 athletes supported by the Trust Fund for Excellence in Sport, and other athletes supported by the High-Level Sports Unit.

Excusez-moi, cela ne répond pas à la question. Pourquoi est-ce qu'il y en a eu moins ? Il y a eu moins d'athlètes qui ont bénéficié d'un soutien que ce qui était targeted.

It depends on performance. Ministry of Youth and Sports – Programme Code 1502: Promotion and Development of Sports (Rs928,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.13 a.m.) Ministry of Youth and Sports – Programme Code 1503: Youth Development Programme was called.

Yes! Pages 386-387?

Page 387, item 22900.951 - Smart Youth Programmes, peut-on savoir combien de jeunes ont bénéficié de ces programmes?

525 youth benefited under this programme.

Another question, yes!

Item 22130, toujours à la même page - Studies and Surveys, peut-on savoir en quoi consistent ces études et surveys et qui les ont faites?

Funds under this item were meant for the conduct of a national youth survey to identify the needs and aspirations of the youth, and consequently to support our objective in youth empowerment. I have the list. I can table the list. Ministry of Youth and Sports – Programme Code 1503: Youth Development Programme (Rs188,800,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.15 a.m.) Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations – Programme Code 1601: Policy and Strategy for Labour and Industrial Relations (Rs142,600,000) was called and agreed to. (2.16 a.m.) Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations – Programme Code 1602: Labour and Industrial Relations Management was called.

Page 394?

Thank you. May I ask the hon. Minister, 160201: Industrial Relations - Redundancy Board, the number of cases heard within the last financial year? If he has the total sum awarded by the board and the total orders for reinstatement, total number of workers reinstated, if any?

Mr Chairperson, from 01 July 2025 till 30 April 2026, 14 cases of reduction of workforce, closure of enterprise cases were received, and 12 cases have been settled. I, unfortunately, do not have the figures for the number of workers concerned. I will find the number and table it.

If he can also find the total awards ordered by the board in respect of those cases?

I will also find out the amount awarded.

I have a second question. With regard to the enforcement of labour legislations, may I ask the hon. Minister on the contraventions issued by his Ministry for failure to comply with health and safety regulations falling under the relevant provisions of the Workers' Rights Act and other relevant legislations? If he has the number of such contraventions issued by his Ministry?

Yes, actually, it is under Programme 1602. So, breakdown of the cases of prosecution lodged for the period of July 2025 to May 2026 is as follows – • Enforcement section: 43; • Construction section: 47; • Employees Lodging Accommodation section: 10; • Accident Unit: 25.

Can I have a last question? If the hon. Minister has the answer, the success rate of conviction of the prosecutions being done under his Ministry? The enforcement action, if he has it for the last few years?

Mr Chairperson, there is a lot of enforcement that is done by my Ministry. You have at the Labour Division and at the Occupation Health and Safety Division. I will give you a breakdown of the number of convictions secured for both divisions.

Pages 395-397?

Page 397, with regard to lodging permits and lodging accommodations, may we know from the hon. Minister, the lodging accommodation permits that have been revoked following OSHA enforcement?

I do not have the number revoked. I can tell you that as at 31 May, there are 3,261 employees lodging accommodations with valid period. The number of new applications renewed and issued is 435. I do not have the number of applications that has been turned down. I will ascertain and then let you know.

May I ask the number of contraventions served on for lodging accommodation non-compliant with the provisions of the other legislation?

Again, unfortunately, I do not have this information, Mr Chairperson, but I will ascertain it and I will table it. Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations – Programme Code 1602: Labour and Industrial Relations Management (Rs271,900,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.22 a.m.) Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations – Programme Code 1603: Regulation of Associations and Trade Unions, (Rs28,600,000) was called and agreed to. (2.23 a.m.) Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations – Programme Code 1604: Employment Facilitation, was called.

Yes.

On page 402, with regard to the Item: 28212.028, Employability Enhancement Programmes, can the hon. Minister circulate the list of persons enrolled on the EAT programme for the last financial year? If you can circulate it?

I can circulate the number, but obviously I will not be able to give you the list.

Page 403?

Yes, on this page, with regard to the Sub-Programme 160402 – Issuance of work permits to foreign workers – Percentage of work permits issued within the statutory timeframe, the actual figures have been lower than the targeted rate that was budgeted for. May we know first of all, the reason why this is the case and secondly, if the speed up process that was announced has already been implemented, the process to speed up the issuance?

Mr Chairperson, there is a number of reasons why we have not been able to achieve the target of determining the application within 21 days. First of all is the sheer increase in the volume of application that we have received, having changed the criteria for the issuance of work permit and at the same time, we have not received a corresponding number of staff to review those documents. And then there is a number of applicants, when they file, they make the application, there is a lot of discrepancies between the documents, for example, especially when we are dealing with foreign workers. You know, these people, the original is in a language. It can be in Hindi or in Bangla. So, when they translate it, very often, they get the name wrong and this is also a reason for delay. And then there are inspections. There is an increased number of applications for domestic workers and my officers need to physically go and inspect the houses to ensure that there is proper room and accommodation to meet these people. That is the reason for the delay but I am glad to announce that in this budget we are receiving some more funding in order to increase the staffing and we hope that this is going to improve. Now, in terms of implementation of the recommendation, the main recommendations relating to the process have been implemented. As I answered in the PNQ on Tuesday, the rule-based procedure that was supposed to be implemented at the level of the Economic Development Board has not yet been implemented because they have not even awarded the contract yet. Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations – Programme Code 1604: Employment Facilitation, (Rs285,900,000) was, on question put, agreed to.

Hon. Members, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees will now take the Chair. At this stage, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees took the Chair.

Please be seated. (2.27 a.m.) Ministry of Land Transport – Programme Code 1701: Policy and Strategy for Land Transport was called.

Page 405-406?

Thank you, Mr Chairperson. May I ask the hon. Minister with regard to the KPIs on page 405 for programme 1701, Public transport ridership – we note a substantial decrease from the planned target as well as from the previous year. May I ask the hon. Minister whether can first of all break it down in terms of bus ridership and metro ridership and secondly, the reasons why this is the case?

Yes. From memory, I can recall that if you take this average, it is about 452 commuters per day, travelling both by the metro and buses combined. Now, if you minus about 40,000 for the metro, it gives you about 412 to 425 depending on the day for buses.

Also the reason why is it below the target?

Of course, we put high target for ourselves but then you know, with…

But it is performance-based.

No, no supplementary. Ministry of Land Transport – Programme Code 1701: Policy and Strategy for Land Transport (Rs 1,760,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.30 a.m.) Ministry of Land Transport – Programme Code 1702: Road Safety and Traffic Engineering (Rs500,000,000), was called and agreed to. (2.31 a.m.) Ministry of Land Transport – Programme Code 1703: Regulating Land Transport and Light Rail Operations was called.

Page 413.

Page 414.

Page 414, yes.

May I ask the hon. Minister, with regard to Item 25500.003 – Support to Bus Industry. There is Rs400 million increase for this Financial Year, may we know what this increase is being budgeted for?

This is in regard to higher cost to be accrued this year. Escalating cost – labour, fuel, etc.

Page 415, do you have?

No, actually still page 414. Bus Modernisation Scheme.

Okay.

Thank you. Item 25500.002 – Bus Modernisation Scheme of which Promoting Low-carbon Electric Bus Transport in Mauritius – GEF Funded. Can I know from the hon. Minister the number of charging stations around the island for the bus modernisation fleet?

I can tell the hon. Member that the Government is leading by example with the NTC on this one. We have right now 105 electric buses, generously donated by India and China, which constitute about one quarter of the bus fleet of the NTC and it is fully charged by their own stations. You cannot charge buses on the street, right? It is charged in the depots. Three of the depots out of five of the NTC are fitted with chargers.

Good. Page 415?

Yes. The Item 31122.837 – Fleet Management System for Public Buses. The project Rs78 million was announced last year and I see that the amount is yet to be disbursed. So, may we know why?

Yes, this is a very pertinent question. We have worked very hard on this. We have floated an international tender. We have identified a bidder, which is the State Informatics Limited for lower than the cost announced here. Right now, there is one challenge at the IRP. I hope we can surpass the step. If all goes on well, we will be having our Fleet Management System by the beginning of next year. Ministry of Land Transport – Programme Code 1703: Regulating Land Transport and Light Rail Operations (Rs3,675,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.35 a.m.) Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection – Programme Code 1901: Policy and Strategy for Commerce and Consumer Protection was called.

Page 417.

May I ask the hon. Minister, with regard to Programme 1902 – Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance – Enhanced consumer protection. The number of premises inspected is well below the budgeted target. May we know the reasons for the underperformance?

Mr Chairperson, we have in fact reached the target. The exact number is 10,681 – for the number of inspections carried out from 01 July 2025 to 24 June 2026. Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection – Programme Code 1901: Policy and Strategy for Commerce and Consumer Protection (Rs138,200,000) was, on question put, agreed to. The following Programme Codes were, called and agreed to – 1902: Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection – Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance (Rs105,000,000) 1903: Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection – Compliance to Import and Export Obligations (Rs20,800,000) 2001: Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research – Policy and Strategy for Tertiary Education, Science and Research (Rs83,000,000) 2002: Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research – Higher Education (Rs 2,114,000,000) 2003: Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research – Science and Research (Rs 182,000,000) 2004: Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research –Pathways to Higher Education (Rs66,000,000) 2101: Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperatives –Industrial Development (Rs527,000,000) (2.43 a.m.) Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperatives – Programme Code 2102: SME Development was called.

Page 448?

Yes, thank you. May I ask the hon. Minister with regard to the Programme 2102 - Provide support to SMEs, the number of SMEs that have been provided support under the SME Support Scheme, training with regard to VAT registration for those that have reached the Rs3 million threshold? How many SMEs have been provided support and training under the scheme in relation to the VAT threshold registration?

Well, there is no specific VAT support programme for those under Rs3 million but I can give you the figures where we have assisted the SMEs and also the numbers – • for Market Readiness Scheme, we have assisted 105 SMEs; • business transformation: 7; • technology and innovation: 831; • agribusiness: 48; • greening: 10. So, there has been 1,001 SMEs that have been assisted for an amount of Rs58,486,000 spent and the amount that was committed was Rs84 million.

The question, if I may clarify, is with regard to accounting and VAT registration and compliance.

It is policy!

No, it is not!

He has replied to you, he said there is no specific...

No, let me ask again, are we to understand that there has been none?

The hon. Member should understand that whatever help that has been given for SMEs, assisting them in relation to their VAT threshold is being done by the MRA, not by my Ministry. Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperatives – Programme Code 2102: SME Development (Rs230,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.46 a.m.) Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperatives – Programme Code 2103: Registration, Development and Supervision of Cooperative Societies (Rs205,000,000) was called and agreed to. (2.47 a.m.) Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2201: Policy and Strategy for Education and Human Resource Development was called.

Ceux qui nous regardent, voilà comment on travaille dur. Page 455?

Yes, I have one. May I ask the hon. Minister with regard to a very important KPI, the pass rate for the Primary School Achievement Certificate? We know that it has been under target. In fact, can the hon. Minister also confirm that this has regressed from the previous financial year, the pass rate and the reasons that have been identified?

Yes, there has been a decrease in the pass rate from 83% to 79.5% in the past year. This is why we are trying to address this issue with the resit that we are allowing to our students at the end of their PSAC. We are giving students the possibility of taking up to three subjects in their PSAC exam in December, and we have also initiated an Academic Monitoring Committee in primary school to address that issue.

Yes?

May I ask the hon. Minister when the issue is addressed, will he report back to Parliament, table whichever report is communicated with in respect of that lapse in performance?

Maybe if you can circulate?

Yes, it will be circulated.

Second question, hon. Chairperson, page 456.

Yes, okay.

With regard to TVET, again, there is an underperformance in terms of the target which was budgeted for last year, for the percentage of trainees employed within six months of completion. Has the Ministry identified the reasons for this underperformance?

Yes, because of extended stream in the past, many students were not being directed towards our TVET sector. Now with the Foundation Programme, we are directing our kids towards the TVET sector, an increasing number, henceforth.

Pages 457-459?

Page 458. Thank you. Yes, another very serious matter, Mr Chairperson. Item 22900.801 (a) – The Drug Use Prevention (Rebound) Programme, may we know from the hon. Minister, first of all, under the programme health and wellness activities, whether he has, at hand, a report on the extent and the risks of drugs in primary and secondary schools? Also, whether he has an action plan at hand that he can table to the House?

This is a PQ. Anyway, it is good.

The report will be handed over in due time. But what I can tell you, the Rebound and Get-Connected Programmes are being revamped with the help of NADC.

Yes. Hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Page 459, Item 31112.402 – Upgrading of Schools, Capital Expenditure, est-ce qu'on pourrait savoir si l'école de Floréal SSS fait partie des écoles qui vont être rénovées, étant donné qu'elle a toujours un problème d'électricité ? Cela dure depuis plusieurs années. L'école est dans un état très délabré. Est-ce que cette école fait partie de l'allocation budgétaire ?

I am going to check it and inform you afterwards.

May I ask again for page 458?

Again, back to page 458?

Yes, on the same health and wellness programme.

We are already on page 459 now.

But she said page 458.

No, she said page 459. Okay, we will catch up. Page 460?

No, page 459. I am not that tired. With regard to the upgrading of schools, Item 31112.402, will he table the list of the schools upgraded in the last financial year as well as the schools to be upgraded this coming financial year?

This is a long list. I will circulate the list.

You will circulate it. Pages 460-461? Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2201: Policy and Strategy for Education and Human Resource Development (Rs429,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.53 a.m.) Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2202: Pre-Primary Education was called.

Page 462?

Yes. I have a question on the KPI 2202. With regard to the Regulation and Promotion of Pre-Primary Education by the Early Childhood Care and Education Authority, I see that there have been 2,000 inspections in the last financial year. Will the hon. Minister table to the House the various statistics of the inspections carried out in regards to the number of facilities that are found to be not compliant with the standards? Will you be able to provide those figures to the House?

Hon. Minister, do you have this?

Also, the actions taken?

I will circulate it because this is a very technical thing that you are asking.

He will circulate it. Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2202: Pre-Primary Education (Rs 1,207,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.55 a.m.) Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2203: Primary Education was called.

Pages 463-465?

I wanted to know from the hon. Minister, Item 22900.996 – Natation Scolaire, can the hon. Minister tell us how many students from primary schools have undergone the Natation Scolaire Programme for the last financial year?

What I can tell you is that two out of the four are functional. Concerning the number, I will need to check it and I will table it, and I will inform you.

Hon. Ms J. Bérenger.

Item 22900.006 – School Requisites - (a) Texbooks – Grade 1 to Grade 6, est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir une explication sur pourquoi l'allocation budgétaire a augmenté ? Est-ce que ça veut dire qu'il n'y aura plus de problème de distribution de manuels ?

Le problème n'est pas le montant alloué, mais il y a un problème avec la presse. On va voir comment gérer ça dorénavant.

Pages 465-467 ? Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2203: Primary Education (Rs 5,955,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (2.57 a.m.) Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2204: Secondary Education was called.

Page 468?

Yes. Programme Code 2204, with regard to the KPI for the Supervision and Delivery of Secondary Education, Mr Chairperson, may I ask the hon. Minister why the SC pass rate is substantially lower for public schools as opposed to private schools which has increased for the SC?

You will find that in the public schools, normally, we allow maximum number of students to be promoted. Whereas in private schools, the students move to vocational schools midway.

No, the question is: why is the pass rate substantially lower than targeted for the public school while for the private school it has increased?

No, it is not. You are talking about SC? Yes, it is 78 to 79 for public schools, and 68 to 69.

Yes, that is not the question. The question is: there was a budgeted amount to reach a certain target. The target was 82 and the target reached, according to the statistics provided in this Budget, is 78.4. While for the private school, it was 66, but it has reached 68.8. So, it has increased for the private school?

You have it, hon. Minister?

Yes. There has been a general decline in SC rate and measures are being put into practice with the help of quality assurance and the academic monitoring committee to review that.

Pages 469-472? Ministry of Education and Human Resources – Programme Code 2204: Secondary Education (Rs 13,161,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.01 a.m.) Ministry of Education and Human Resource – Programme Code 2205: Technical and Vocational Education and Training was called.

Page 473.

Item 28212.047 – Refund of Examination fees i.c.w. Technical Education. L’allocation budgétaire est passée de R 1 million à R 20 millions. Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir plus de détails ?

The increase in provision is related to technical education centres, MITD for examination fees in connection with technical education. We are refunding these kids their fees. Ministry of Education and Human Resource – Programme Code 2205: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Rs666,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.02 a.m.) Ministry of Education and Human Resource – Programme Code 2206: Special Education Needs was called.

Page 474. Okay, hon. Ms J. Bérenger!

Sur le KPI, le nombre d'inspections est largement en dessous de ce qui était targeted. Est-ce qu'on pourrait avoir une explication?

I will circulate the reasons to you in details. Yes, because there has been a significant drop from 1,370 to 400.

Page 475.

Et les reasons...

Il va circuler. Ministry of Education and Human Resource – Programme Code 2206: Special Education Needs (Rs619,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.03 a.m.) Ministry of Education and Human Resource – Programme Code 2207: Human Resource Development was called.

Pages 477, 478, 479.

May I ask the hon. Minister, with regard to the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), KPI: Number of unemployed persons trained and upskilled for employability. The target was 1,500, the provisional figure is 49. Does he have the confirmed figures and can he explain why the programme has not achieved its aim? Its target, actually.

The decline in participation is due to fewer application for from employers and unemployed persons.

May I know…

One more?

Still on that issue, may I know from the hon. Minister with regard to those persons that have been trained, whether he has the figures of employability thereof, since training? Whether they have gained an employment since? Would you have those figures?

For the time being I do not have the figures. I may check same. Ministry of Education and Human Resource – Programme Code 2207: Human Resource Development (Rs913,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.05 a.m.) Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation – Programme Code 2301: Policy and Strategy for ICT (Rs568,200,000) was, called and agreed to. (3.07 a.m.) Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation – Programme Code 2302: Citizen-Centric Digital Services was called.

Page 486. You have?

Under Programme 2302, Digitalisation of Government Services. May I ask the hon. Minister, for the spent Financial Year, what is the rate of digitalisation of government services? What is the percentage that has been achieved up to now?

The percentage is always a function of two measures. I think you need to be more explicit about what the measures you have in mind.

Okay, I allow you.

Thank you. The e-Government project has outlined a strategy for digitalisation. I want to know where we have reached with regard to the e-Government project to date.

Because you are being qualitative, I will give you a qualitative answer. So, we have actually covered more than 50% and it is actually a fair level of digitalisation, so far. I am being qualitative.

Very good, hon. Minister. Thank you. He replied to your question.

No. It is not a fishing expedition. I am giving an opportunity to the hon. Minister, in fact, to say what he has done.

(Interruptions)

What I may ask the hon. Minister…

Let me…

No, under this item, Mr Chairperson…

Let me tell you one thing. It is not a PQ. You are not allowed for supplementary. Still, we are very lenient. In the past do you remember? You are allowed, I am asking you whether you have questions. But in the past, we had to fight to ask questions – only one!

Ça fait la grandeur d’homme que vous êtes.

Okay. I will allow you one.

I will ask the hon. Minister, with regard to that project – because you will have the figures –, whether you will report back to the House with regard to the services that are now digitalised and available to the citizen under the e-Government programme?

Let me let me make it easier for you. So, we have around 200 services that are deployed to citizens. Out of those services, around 120 are already digitalised. We are looking at digitalising the rest of it. But to me, digitalisation, the way it was done was not good enough. We have to make it right and we are doing that through KOREK. KOREK already has six or seven services. We will be adding on 20 more.

Perfect. Page 487, 488, 489, 490, 491? Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation – Programme Code 2302: Citizen-Centric Digital Services (Rs749,100,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.11 a.m.) Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation – Programme Code 2303: Cybersecurity was called.

Page 492?

2303: Cybersecurity - CERT-MU, Number of assessments of threats, vulnerabilities, risks of a cyber-attack conducted, etc., may I ask the hon. Minister with regard to fraudulent scams that have been detected by CERT-MU in the last financial year, the number which has successfully been investigated and for which actions have been initiated with prosecutions at the end?

CERT-MU does not have investigatory powers. Investigations are carried out by the Police. The moment we receive these reports, the data are sent to the Police. It is the Police which carries out the investigations. Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation – Programme Code 2303: Cybersecurity (Rs120,700,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.13 a.m.) Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms – Programme Code 2401: Policy and Strategy for Public Service (Rs120,600,000) was, called and agreed to. (3.14 a.m.) Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms – Programme Code 2402: Administrative Reforms and Innovation was called.

Page 495? KPI?

No. On page 496, can I ask the hon. Minister with regard to 21110.001 - Basic Salary, the amount disbursed for the last financial year for interdicted officers of the public service? The amount spent on them?

I shall circulate the information. But having said that, the exercise to make a complete assessment as to all the departments concerned with the suspended or interdicted wages is being carried out actually so that you have a complete figure of it. Thank you.

Would he come back to Parliament once that exercise has been completed?

I shall circulate the information with pleasure.

He said they are compiling. He will table it later on.

Yes, of course.

(Interruptions)

The figures are being compiled and he will circulate.

No, I am talking of the review exercise that his...

For that, you come with a PQ. Page 499? Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms – Programme Code 2402: Administrative Reforms and Innovation (Rs29,000,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.16 a.m.) The following Programme Codes were called and agreed to – 2403: Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms – Strategic Human Resource Management and Development (Rs176,100,000) 2404: Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms – Occupational Safety and Health for Public Officers (Rs24,300,000) 2501: Ministry of Local Government – Policy and Strategy for Local Government and Fire Services (Rs194,900,000) 2502: Ministry of Local Government – Facilitation to Local Authorities (Rs6,894,300,000) 2504: Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service – Fire and Rescue Service (Rs1,085,800,000) was called and agreed to.

The Deputy Speaker will resume the Chair to continue. Thank you. At this stage, the Deputy Speaker took the Chair.

Please be seated! (3.22 a.m.) Ministry of Arts and Culture – Programme Code 2601: Policy and Strategy for Arts and Culture (Rs54,000,000) was, called and agreed to. (3.23 a.m.) Ministry of Arts and Culture – Programme Code 2602: Promotion of Arts and Culture was called.

Page 521, 522? Page 521, hon. Ms J. Bérenger? No. Page 522, 523?

Page 523, Item 28212.014 – Financial Assistance to Artists, peut-on savoir pourquoi l’allocation budgétaire diminue drastiquement d’année en année ?

The decrease in provision is based on expenditure, and under the schemes which were previously financed from the National Arts Fund, only contractual payments have been provided.

Under Capital Expenditure, Item 31112.420 – Upgrading of Theatres, peut-on savoir où en est avec la rénovation du théâtre de Port Louis ?

Le théâtre de Port Louis ne tombe pas sous le ministère des Arts et de la culture. C’est sous la municipalité de Port Louis. Ministry of Arts and Culture – Programme Code 2602: Promotion of Arts and Culture (Rs342,500,000) was, on question put, agreed to. (3.26 a.m.) Ministry of Arts and Culture – Programme Code 2603: Cultural Heritage Conservation and Development (Rs543,500,000) was, called and agreed to. The Performance-Based Budget Estimates 2026-2027 & Indicative Estimates 2027- 2028 and 2028-2029 were considered and agreed to. The Appropriation (2026-2027) Bill (No. IX of 2026) was considered and agreed to.

Madam Speaker will now resume the Chair. At this stage, Madam Speaker took the Chair.

Yes, hon. Members, please be seated! On the Assembly resuming with Madam Speaker in the Chair, Madam Speaker reported accordingly.

Hon. Members, I have to report to the House that the Performance- Based Budget Estimates 2026-2027 & Indicative Estimates 2027-2028 and 2028-2029 and the Appropriation (2026-2027) Bill (No. IX of 2026) have passed the Committee of Supply without amendment. Yes, hon. Prime Minister!