Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA) that it has been able to maintain its provisional membership with the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC), and it has already embarked on the implementation of a series of measures in line with the requirements of CISAC to strengthen its membership. I am also informed that at its General Assembly held on 28 May 2025, CISAC had approved the extension of MASA’s provisional membership for a further period of two years, subject to compliance with strict conditions as CISAC had already informed that no further extension will be granted. Madam Speaker, it is important to underline that the situation we inherited was a matter of serious concern. For years, there had been clear warning signals regarding the governance, compliance and overall functioning of MASA. This prolonged inaction placed MASA’s international standing at risk and created uncertainty for Mauritian artists. Madam Speaker, faced with this situation, my Ministry has acted promptly and responsibly. In this context, I am informed that the Regional Direction for Africa of CISAC effected a mission to Mauritius from 23 to 27 February 2026 to guide MASA on the measures required to ensure compliance and safeguard membership. Madam Speaker, I am further informed that MASA has already initiated concrete steps to meet CISAC requirements, including – (i) uploading of the audited financial statements for years 2020-2021 and 2021- 2022 on the CISAC Governance Portal on 31 October 2025; (ii) submitting the financial statements for the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to the National Audit Office for auditing, with unaudited versions already uploaded on the portal; (iii) updating its repertoire CIS-NET on 02 November 2025, with the next update scheduled for May 2026, and (iv) distributing approximately Rs18.7 million to local copyright owners in December 2025 and Rs1.7 million to Foreign Right Holders in February 2026. These actions demonstrate that MASA is actively aligning with international standards. Madam Speaker, as regards part (b) of the question, Government has provided for a sum of Rs4 million over two years for the restructuring of MASA to assist the society in fully meeting the international requirements necessary to preserve its membership with CISAC. However, given that MASA currently owns approximately Rs95 million in accumulated funds with insufficient clarity and on their collection and reasons for non-distribution over a prolonged period, the Board of MASA has approved that a comprehensive forensic audit be undertaken as priority. Madam Speaker, the terms of reference for this audit which are being finalised by my Ministry will be launched shortly. This exercise is essential to restore confidence among artists and stakeholders to ensure that MASA is placed on a sound footing prior to restructuring. Based on the findings of the forensic audit, my Ministry will thereafter proceed with the consultancy services for a comprehensive restructuring plan. In parallel, my Ministry is supporting MASA in its modernisation efforts, including the acquisition of a cloud system to match the requirement of WIPO Connect. This will enhance repertoire management, improve royalty tracking and distribution to artists. Madam Speaker, I therefore wish to reassure that my Ministry remains fully committed to supporting MASA in meeting all international requirements with a view to preserving and consolidating its membership with CISAC and ensuring that Mauritian authors and right owners receive the royalties to which they are entitled. Madam Speaker, our artists deserve nothing less and as Minister of Arts and Culture, I will stand firmly by them. Thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister! Yes!

Merci, Madame la présidente. Le ministre peut-il préciser à la Chambre s’il y a un délai qui a été fixé par l’instance internationale pour la régularisation de la situation et s’il existe un risque de suspension ou de retrait de cette adhésion ?

Je viens de préciser qu’on a déjà commencé le travail à la satisfaction de l’organisation.

Donc, il n’y a pas de délai pour l’instant.

Donc, peut-on savoir si son ministère considère effectivement que ce membership, cette adhésion constitue un pilier essentiel pour le développement du secteur créatif mauricien et ainsi améliorant les revenus des artistes ?

Yes, of course, we will do it.

Très bien! Good ! So, now I finish with Mr Quirin. Next page, sorry. So, now we have hon. Apollon! LANDS (BARE & NEGLECTED) – VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES – MEASURES