Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with regard to part (a) (i), (ii) and (iii) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that, for the period 01 January 2021 to 25 June 2026, a total of 611 new firearm licences were issued, 4,264 licences were renewed, 8 licences were revoked, and no firearm licences were suspended. During the same period, four firearms were reported lost, 14 were reported stolen, 10 were classified as unaccounted for. There were 32 recorded incidents involving licensed firearms, resulting in injuries and fatalities, and criminal investigations were initiated. I am tabling the details requested by the hon. Member. As regards part (b) of the question, I am informed that, pursuant to sections 7 and 8 of the Firearms Act 2006, an applicant must satisfy the following eligibility criteria before a firearm license may be granted – (i) must hold a valid Competency Certificate which is issued by the Commissioner of Police upon successful completion of the prescribed training and passed the required tests; (ii) he/she must be of 18 years of age or more and must be a citizen of Mauritius; (iii) be a fit and proper person to possess or deal with firearms; (iv) be physically fit and have a stable mental condition; (v) not be dependent on intoxicating or narcotic substances; (vi) have not been convicted under the Firearms Act; (vii) have no convictions involving firearms, domestic violence or dangerous drugs, whether in Mauritius or abroad; (viii) not pose any risk to public safety or public order; (ix) have a good reason for possessing the firearm, and (x) have adequate and secure storage arrangements for the safe custody of firearms and ammunition. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, pursuant to section 12 of the Firearms Act 2006, a firearm license is renewable for yearly periods ending on 31 December, unless previously suspended or cancelled. Renewal is effected upon application made by the license holder and is subject to the production of the firearm and any ammunition in respect of which the license was issued, the firearm license book issued by the Commissioner of Police and a valid Competency Certificate must also be shown. Renewal is granted upon compliance with these statutory requirements.

Yes, hon. Dr. Aumeer!

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether he has information from the Commissioner of Police regarding whether a national ballistic database exists to assist law enforcement agencies in linking firearms used in criminal offenses, and if not, whether consideration is to be given to establish one?

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I missed the beginning of the of the question.

Whether a national ballistic database exists, and if it does not exist, which would assist those involved in enforcement agencies, that could be considered to be established in the future, if I may say, regarding recent case of firearm where a young gentleman was shot dead on a leased land recently?

Well, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, they can do ballistics tests in Mauritius.

The last one. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister, whether the Commissioner of Police has given him any information of measures that are in place to prevent licensed firearms, those that were given duly licensed by the authorities, from being diverted into the illegal market through theft, loss or unlawful receipt? Thank you.

The Police are well aware of this. I mentioned a few cases here, and they investigate those cases.

The hon. Fourth Member for Port Louis North and Montagne Longue! PENSION REFORM – COMMISSION OF EXPERTS – MEETINGS CONVENED