Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with your permission, I shall reply to Parliamentary Question B/810. The Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare, commonly known as the MSAW, is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, and is responsible for animal welfare, prevention of cruelty to animals and related operational programmes. As regards to part (a) (i) of the question, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I am informed that on 30 April 2026, the Chairperson and two members of the MSAW Council resigned – • one member, serving in an ex-officio capacity, cited excessive load work due to his representation on several boards, • the former Chairperson, and another member referred to governance and administrative concerns at the MSAW. Following an inspection carried out at the Enforcement Department, the former Chairperson submitted a report dated 28 April 2026, highlighting deficiencies in the record keeping, the absence of fully formalised standard operating procedures, weaknesses in the lodging and traceability of animal cruelty complaints, and shortcomings in operational records relating to dog registration, adoption, euthanasia and catch-neuter-release activities. Concerns were also raised regarding procurement procedures, overtime expenditure and supervisory control. The Director of the MSAW was requested to provide explanations, which were submitted on 06 May 2026. In his explanation, he referred to, amongst others, staff shortage, the absence of dedicated administrative and IT Support, ongoing works to strengthen standard operating procedures and record keeping system, and the need for a comprehensive operational review of the MSAW. As regards to the request for tabling, I am advised that the document forms part of an ongoing administrative examination and may also be relevant to a formal inquiry. It would be, therefore, not be appropriate to table internal reports, correspondences and preliminary requisition at this stage, as this could prejudice the process. Nevertheless, the substance of the matters raised is being fully communicated to the House today. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards to part (a) (ii) of the question, I am informed that the Ministry has not established that pressure was exerted on the former chairperson regarding the renewal of the director's contract. I am further informed that the MSAW Council under the chairmanship of the former chairperson, herself, had already approved the renewal of the contract on 23 April 2026, prior to the alleged telephone conversation referred to in an email dated 29 April 2026. As regards whether the appointment and renewal were in order, Section 18 (1) of the Annual Welfare Act 2013 provides that the Council shall appoint a director with the approval of the Minister. In the present case, the appointment of Mr Tinagaren Govindasami as director was approved by the substantive Minister on 18 March 2025. Cabinet was informed accordingly on 04 April 2025 and the MSAW Council formally approved the appointment on 29 April 2025. The one-year renewable contract took effect as from 20 May 2025, following the Council decision of 23 April 2026. The MSAW formally requested ministerial approval for renewal of the contract for a further period of one year. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards to part (b) of the question, I wish to inform the House that a preliminary internal examination has already been initiated by the Ministry. Meetings and consultations were held by the director, the acting procurement officer and the former representative of the Ministry of Finance on the Council. The preliminary findings indicate that there are administrative and governance weaknesses requiring corrective action, particularly in relation to record keeping, operational procedures, procurement controls, supervision system and overtime management. However, certain allegations remain disputed and require further verification before any definitive conclusion can be reached. Accordingly, upon the designation of a new chairperson, the MSAW Council will be requested to conduct a formal inquiry into all matters raised and to submit recommendation for corrective measures and institutional reform. The Ministry will closely monitor the implementation of improved governance, accountability and operational system to ensure that the MSAW effectively fulfils its statutory responsibilities. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to emphasise that the objective of the Ministry is neither to shade nor prejudge anyone, but to ensure that all matters are dealt with fairly, transparently and in accordance with due process and principle of good governance. Thank you.

Hon. Members, the Table has been advised that PQ B/844 will be replied by the hon. Minister of Tourism. PQ B/846 will be replied by the hon. Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms. PQ A/50 will be replied by the hon. Minister of Energy and Public Utilities. PQ B/814 has been withdrawn. Now, I call upon the hon. Second Member for Flacq and Bon Accueil! REHABILITATION YOUTH CENTRE – TRANSFER TO MINISTRY OF GENDER EQUALITY & FW – LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT