Section 4: National Biosafety Committee

4. National Biosafety Committee (1) There is established for the purposes of this Act a National Biosafety Committee which shall consist of— (a) a Chairperson with expertise in biotechnology and related fields, to be appointed by the Minister; (b) a representative of the Ministry; (c) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of environment; (d) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of health; (e) a representative of the Ministry responsible for the subject of international trade; (f) a representative of the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority; (g) a representative of the University of Mauritius; (h) a representative of the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute; (i) a representative of the Mauritius Research Council; G7 – 3 [Issue 7] Genetically Modified Organisms Act (j) a law officer designated by the Attorney-General; (k) a representative of consumer associations, to be appointed by the Minister. (2) (a) Every member other than the ex officio members shall hold office for a period of 2 years and shall be eligible for reappointment. (b) The Minister may revoke the appointment of the Chairperson or a member referred to in subsection (1) (k) for any reason specified in section 37 (3) (b) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act or where he is of opinion that the person is no longer qualified to be a member. (3) (a) The committee shall meet as and when required by the Chairperson, or on request of not less than 3 members, but not less than 4 times a year. (b) At any meeting of the Committee, 6 members shall constitute a quorum. (4) The Committee may, with the approval of the Minister, co-opt any other person to attend its meetings for a specific purpose, or period of time, but without the right to vote. (5) Where any matter is being or is to be considered by the Committee and a member has a direct or indirect interest in it or there is likely to be a conflict of interest as a result of his participation in the debate, he shall forthwith declare his interest and abstain from participating in the debate. (6) The Minister may, at the request of the Committee, appoint independent professionals or consultants to assist the Committee in the discharge of its functions under this Act. [S. 4 amended by s. 22 (3) of Act 21 of 2013 w.e.f. 14 February 2014.]