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The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report. It notes with interest that a new social security scheme was introduced on 1 January 1985 with the adoption of Act No. 83-11 of 2 July 1983 and of the new Regulations respecting social insurance. The Regulations are intended to introduce a single social insurance scheme.

With reference to its previous comments, it also notes with interest that the benefits in kind prescribed under section 8 of Act 83-11, and in paragraph III of Decree No. 84-27 of 11 February 1984 include the coverage of expenses for the supply and fitting of medical and prosthetic appliances in accordance with Article 4 of the Convention.

The Committee notes, nevertheless, that in conflict with Article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention, under section 3 of Decree 85-33 of 9 February, apprentices are considered as being similar to employees only in respect of employment accidents and occupational diseases and do not therefore receive sickness insurance benefits. The Committee hopes that the Government will take the necessary measures to bring the legislation into conformity with the Convention in this respect also.