Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I wish to inform the House that in accordance with Section 8 National Pensions Act 1976, the criteria for someone to benefit from an Invalid’s Basic Pension is that the person should suffer from a disability of at least 60% which is likely to last for a period of at least 12 months, and he should be under the age of 60 years. First, let me inform my colleague of the Constituency Port Louis North and Montagne Longue that it would be inexact to state that the Invalid’s Basic Pension to which the minor, B.C.G.A.L., was entitled was discontinued when he proceeded for overseas treatment. As a matter of fact, I am informed that a claim for Invalid’s Basic Pension in favour of the minor was made on 23 May 2024. He was convened for medical assessment on 04 July 2024, 04 September 2024 and 05 November 2024, but he did not attend the Medical Board. Consequently, he was reconvened for medical assessment by the Medical Board on 16 December 2024. On 27 January 2025, he was recommended for the Invalid’s Basic Pension for one year with effect from May 2024, date of application, to April 2025. The first payment of Rs169,000 was made by cheque on 03 February 2025, representing payment from May 2024 to February 2025.

59 I am further informed that the minor was reboarded for renewal of the Invalid’s Basic Pension on 14 May 2025 and same has not been recommended by the Medical Board. Following a disallowance notice issued to the minor, an appeal was filed on 16 June 2025 and the Medical Appeal Tribunal hearing has been scheduled for 23 July 2025. As a matter of fact, I am also informed by the Ministry of Health that the first overseas treatment of the minor to Chennai was on 21 June 2024 and the second overseas treatment was from 21 February 2025 to 08 March 2025. All the cost of the treatment was covered by the Government. From the above chronology, it is clear that despite the fact that the minor had his overseas treatment on 21 June 2024, he was paid his Invalid’s Basic Pension for one year with effect from May 2024. In addition, while he was abroad from 21 February 2025 to 08 March 2025, he was also paid his BIP for this period. Let me add that I have paid two visits to the mother, the minor and the family, to verify the facts stated above, and to extend this Government’s compassion to the minor and the family. In parallel, myself and activists in the region have ensured solidarity actions to help the minor and his family. Furthermore, given that this case is considered a hardship case by the National Empowerment Foundation, it has been decided to allocate a proper NHDC housing to the family and the minor. My dear hon. colleague can rest assured that I, as a caring Member of the National Assembly, representing Constituency No.4, and as a caring Minister of a caring and responsible Government, we will always display kindness and humanism and assume our responsibility towards our fellow citizens’ wellbeing and dignity. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Yes, do you have one supplementary?

Merci, M. le président. Merci à mon collègue ministre pour la réponse. Comme vous le savez, c’est un cas très déchirant. Le ministre et son personnel, comme il vient de le dire, ont attendu que je dépose cette interpellation parlementaire pour visiter cette enfant.

60 Je pose la question tout de suite. L’honorable ministre conviendra-t-il avec moi que ce cas n’est qu’un des nombreux cas où le personnel de son ministère fait preuve d’un manque de compassion et d’humanité ? Que fera-t-il pour que les personnes en détresse n’aient pas à subir une telle humiliation dans l’avenir, tout comme le cas du bébé B.C.G.A.L. ? Merci.

I refer my colleague to the Statement I made to the National Assembly at the last session to address the various issues that prevailed during the last 10 years and to address them with deep and profound reforms that this Government will be bringing to the law in regulating and determining invalid’s pensions and benefits. The change will come.

The hon. Second Member for Grand’ Baie and Poudre D'or! BLUE WORLD EXPLORER LTD. – DIVING ACCIDENT – INQUIRY & REMEDIAL ACTIONS