Reply: I wish, at the outset, to state that Government is fully committed to modernising the way public services are delivered and paid for. Today, an ever-growing proportion of payments are being effected through electronic transfers, mobile applications, bank cards and other cashless instruments, offering greater speed, convenience, traceability and security. It is against this backdrop that Government is actively advancing the digital transformation of public service delivery by expanding the provision of services through online platforms, with payments increasingly being made electronically. This transition is not merely a technological upgrade but forms part of a broader strategic vision to modernise public administration and align service delivery with the realities and expectations of a digital economy. This transformation is centred on facilitating the lives of citizens by making Government services more seamless, accessible and user-friendly, while ensuring that public service delivery remains efficient. With regard to part (a) of the question, despite the ongoing digitalisation of Government services, I am informed by the Treasury that several cash offices already operate beyond 14.30 hours. These include the main cash office at the Treasury, the National Land Transport Authority, the Registrar General, the Corporate and Business Registration Department, the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, and the Mauritius Revenue Authority. I am informed by the Treasury, however, that payment counters at sub-offices, across the island, operate up to 14.30 hours. This arrangement is mainly due to operational, banking and security considerations. Cashiers must be given sufficient time, after the closure of counters, to reconcile the amounts collected with their records, prepare the relevant documentation and ensure that collections are deposited at banks on the same day. Banks generally close at around 15.15 hours on weekdays. It is therefore important that adequate time be available for the safe and proper completion of these processes before the close of business. I am further informed that, although safes are available at these sub-offices, it would not be prudent to retain large amounts of cash on the premises after banking hours. Such a practice may increase security and operational risks and could also have implications in terms of insurance coverage and related costs. The direction of travel actually is to move away from cash transactions to more electronic forms of payment. With the gradual adoption of this mode of payment, that is, online or cashless payment systems, opening hours of the cash offices will not be a barrier for effecting payment transactions by the public. As regards to part (b) of the question, Government has already made significant progress in introducing cashless payment facilities across the public sector. Some ministries and Government bodies are already operating cashless payment systems such as payment by debit or credit cards, online bank transfer and mobile payment through Scan and Pay facilities. I am informed by the Treasury that, as at date, 60 cash counters have already been equipped with Point-of-Sale machines, enabling members of the public to effect payments by debit or credit cards. The Treasury is also in the process of rolling out Scan and Pay facilities across Government Cash Offices. This will enable payments to be made through mobile applications and will provide an additional convenient payment channel to citizens. This project is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Government will continue to pursue reforms that make public services more accessible, secure and efficient. While the extension of Cash Office opening hours will continue to be considered in light of operational realities, the priority is to expand cashless payment options so that citizens can increasingly make payments without having to physically attend Government Cash Offices. FINANCIAL YEAR 2025-2026 – OVERSEAS MISSIONS – EXPENDITURE