Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that the 2026 International Casino Exhibition, widely known as ICE, was held from 19 to 21 January 2026, in Barcelona, Spain. As regards part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that its Board, at its 4th meeting held on 13 November 2025, approved the participation of a delegation of four persons to attend the Exhibition. The participants were – (i) Mrs Ringadoo; (ii) Mrs Maudarbaccus; (iii) Mr Arjoon Niranjan, and (iv) Mrs Choytah Darshinee. The cost of air tickets for Mrs Darshinee amounted to Rs60,400, while for the other three participants, the cost was Rs53,800 for each. The per diem of Rs78,003.95 was paid to each participant. The total expenditure for the mission therefore amounted to Rs533,916. Concerning part (b) of the question, I am informed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority that the 2026 ICE provided a unique opportunity for Mauritius to learn from its peers, the best practices pertaining to the following, amongst others – (i) combatting money laundering, illegal betting, fraud and cyber security threats; (ii) responsible gambling and consumer protection; (iii) regulatory technologies, and (iv) adoption of artificial intelligence in relation to monitoring of remote sports betting and gambling operators. As regards the outcome of the participation, ICE is helping the GRA to – (i) review its regulatory and operational framework to align same with international best practices; (ii) adopt new regulatory technologies for the regulation of online gambling, and (iii) enhance investigative capacities to better detect fraudulent activities and conduct investigations.

Thank you. Yes, alright? One question.

Une question supplémentaire ! L’honorable Premier ministre peut-il dire à la Chambre, vu le contexte actuel d’austérité, ne pense-t-il pas que le déplacement d’une telle délégation est totalement injustifié à un moment où, nous le savons tous, les difficultés économiques et financières dont fait face le pays ?

This did not come out of the government fund as such. It was from the fund of the GRA itself. They have provided their own funds.

Okay! Time is up! I am suspending the Sitting for one and a half hour. At 1.01 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 2.36 p.m., with Madam Speaker on the Chair.

Thank you. Please be seated. The Table has been advised that the following PQs have been withdrawn: B/12, B/13, B/17, B/18, B/19, and B/23. I should have said that earlier. I am sorry. Now, we have questions to hon. Ministers. MIDDLE-EAST CONFLICT – MAURITIANS’ SAFETY – DIPLOMATIC MEASURES BY GOVERNMENT