2010

REPORT L UA NN A

TA L MA OF T N IAME L PAR

TATIVES N REPRESE OF HOUSE

KAMRA TAD-DEPUTATI Parlament ta’ malta

RAPPORT ANNWALI 2010

KAMRA TAD-DEPUTATI

PARLAMENT TA’ MALTA

ANNUAL REVIEW 2010

Front cover: Paladini Committee Room, inaugurated in 2010

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‘There shall be a Parliament of Malta which shall consist of the President and a House of Representatives.’ [Article 51 of the Constitution of Malta]

‘Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may make laws for the peace, order and good government of Malta in conformity with full respect for human rights, generally accepted principles of international law and Malta’s international and regional obligations in particular those assumed by the treaty of accession to the European Union signed in Athens on the 16th April, 2003.’ [Article 65 (1) of the Constitution of Malta]

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CONTENTS

1. HOUSE BUSINESS ...... 1 1.1 OVERVIEW...... 1 1.1.1 New initiatives taken by the Parliament in 2010...... 2 1.2 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME...... 3 1.2.1. New legislation and objectives behind the Bills...... 3 1.2.2. Amendment Acts and objectives behind the Bills ...... 5 1.3 PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS...... 7 1.4 MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS...... 7 1.5 PETITIONS...... 8 1.6 MOTIONS...... 8 1.7 PAPERS LAID...... 9 1.8 DIVISIONS ...... 10 1.9 RULINGS...... 10 1.10 PARLIAMENTARY WHIPS...... 12 1.11 LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 13

2. STANDING COMMITTEES...... 15 2.1 STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOUSE BUSINESS ...... 15 2.2 STANDING COMMITTEE ON PRIVILEGES...... 16 2.3 STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS...... 17 2.4 STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS...... 20 2.4.1 Informal Meetings ...... 23 2.4.2 Sub-Committees...... 24 2.4.3 Meetings of the Working Groups...... 25 2.5 STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS...... 25 2.6 STANDING COMMITTEE FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF BILLS ...... 29 2.7 NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ...... 31 2.8 ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE...... 33

3. SELECT COMMITTEES...... 37 3.1 SELECT COMMITTEE ON STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY ...... 37 3.2 SELECT COMMITTEE ON MEDICALLY ASSISTED PROCREATION ...... 38 3.3 SELECT COMMITTEE ON RE-CODIFICATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF LAWS.. 39 3.4 SELECT COMMITTEE TASKED WITH ESTABLISHING THE FACTS ABOUT THE ISSUE OF BLACK DUST PRECIPITATION OVER THE SOUTHERN LOCALITIES OF MALTA...... 41

4. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES……………………………………………………………. 45 4.1 OUTGOING VISITS AND PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL FORA BY MR SPEAKER ...... 45 4.1.1 Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth hosted by the Indian Parliament ...... 45 4.1.2 EU Speakers’ Conference ...... 45 4.1.3 European Conference of Presidents of Parliament...... 45 4.1.4 Visit to the Italian Camera dei Deputati and to the Sicilian Regional Assembly...... 46 4.1.5 Visit to Libya ...... 46 4.1.6 Fifth Conference of the Presidents of European Small States Parliaments...... 46 4.1.7 Fifth General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean...... 47 4.1.8 EU-Africa Parliamentary Summit...... 47 4.1.9 International Conference on ‘The Role of Diplomacy in Development of International Human Cooperation’...... 47 4.1.10 Third World Conference of Speakers of Parliament ...... 48

v 4.2 OUTGOING VISITS OF MALTESE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONS ...... 48 4.2.1 Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs...... 48 4.2.2 European Parliament and European Union Presidency Meetings ...... 48 4.2.3 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe ...... 51 4.2.4 Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean...... 55 4.2.5 Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly ...... 57 4.2.6 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association...... 58 4.2.7 Inter-Parliamentary Union ...... 58 4.2.8 Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.. 59 4.2.9 Others...... 60 4.3 INCOMING VISITS AND CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES...... 61 4.3.1 Visit by Gianfranco Fini, President of the Italian Camera dei Deputati ...... 61 4.3.2 Meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development and of the Sub- Committee on Tourism and Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe...... 61 4.3.3 Visit by a Chinese Delegation ...... 62 4.3.4 Visit by Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association ...... 62 4.3.5 Visit by Lord John Roper, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the EU Committee of the House of Lords ...... 62

5. ASSOCIATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT...... 65

6. OTHER ACTIVITIES...... 67 6.1 INTERNATIONAL MEETING IN SUPPORT OF ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE...... 67 6.2 MEDITERRANEAN DAY ...... 67 6.3 VISIT BY NEW POLICE RECRUITS ...... 67 6.4 SEMINAR ON POVERTY ...... 67 6.5 VISIT BY HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI ...... 68 6.6 VISIT BY HG ARCHBISHOP PAUL CREMONA ...... 68 6.7 NSTF MINI EUROPEAN ASSEMBLY...... 68 6.8 EUROPE DAY...... 68 6.9 EKOSKOLA PARLIAMENT...... 69 6.10 SETTE GIUGNO ...... 69 6.11 NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT...... 69 6.12 NOTTE BIANCA...... 70 6.13 INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON DIPLOMATIC TRAINING ...... 70 6.14 ENGAGING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY – ROTARY CLUB MALTA ...... 70 6.15 ENGAGING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY – LYON PÔLE BOURSE...... 70 6.16 INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ...... 71 6.17 SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE MIDDLE EAST ...... 71 6.18 LAUNCH OF BOOK: ‘LA VIA DELLA CINA – PASSATO, PRESENTE E FUTURO DI UN GIGANTE DELLA STORIA’...... 71

7. OBITUARIES ...... 75

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ...... 77

ANNEX 1: MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE HON. MICHAEL FRENDO, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, IN 2010...... 79

vi FOREWORD

In this annual report we record the activity of the Parliament of Malta in the past year. This Institution, in spite of its infrastructural limitations, fulfils the services related to a number of actions concerning its primary functions, which include:

- The origination, drafting and adoption of legislation or motions, including those originating from the Government as well as from individual Members of Parliament;

- The scrutiny of the work of the Executive through parliamentary questions, ministerial statements and the process of debate in plenary and through the work of the Committees;

- The contribution to the national debate on issues of importance through parliamentary debates.

Communicating this work to the public is also an important necessary element to strengthen the parliamentary democracy of Malta. This report is also submitted for the scrutiny of public opinion. This is the last year that it is being published in this format. For next year, we are committed to reform the way the information therein is transmitted in order to make it a more effective means of communication.

It is important to appreciate that, although statistics are important and in themselves shed light on the work of Parliament and parliamentarians, it is just as important, indeed more important, to examine how parliamentarians exercise their responsibility, both by way of contributing to the national debate in and outside Parliament, and by remaining close to people, whilst also being a reference point for direction and leadership. These are the big challenges that every MP has to face with courage and determination, and in the most conscientious manner.

HON. MICHAEL FRENDO Speaker, House of Representatives, Parliament of Malta

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1. HOUSE BUSINESS

1.1 OVERVIEW

2010 was indeed a very busy year for the House of Representatives. During the year under review, the composition of the House of Representatives underwent a number of changes.

- In March, Minister for Social Policy John Dalli resigned from Minister and from Member of Parliament in order to take up the office of Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy in the European Commission in Brussels.

- The seat vacated by Mr John Dalli was taken up by Dr Peter Micallef following a bye-election in the 6th District.

- Towards the end of April the House saw the resignation of Dr Louis Galea from Speaker of the House of Representatives. Dr Galea resigned from his post of Speaker following his appointment as European Auditor in the European Court of Auditors in Luxembourg.

- During the same Sitting, Hon. Michael Frendo handed in his resignation as a Member of Parliament and was subsequently nominated Speaker of the House. The motion to appoint Dr Michael Frendo, Speaker, was unanimously agreed.

- The seat vacated by Hon. Michael Frendo in the 10th District was filled by Karl Gouder who was co-opted to Parliament.

- In May 2010 Hon. Ċensu Galea was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House following the resignation from this post by Hon. Carmelo Abela.

In 2010 the House met 117 times. In addition, the various standing and select committees met throughout the year discussing a range of issues as described in Sections 2 and 3 of this report. In total, there were almost 600 hours of debate.

In 2010 the House received 70 motions including 28 motions for First Reading and 11 private members’ motions. By the end of the year Parliament enacted 25 acts, 10 of which were new acts.

Eight Ministerial Statements were delivered to the House as shown in Section 1.4 of this report.

21 Rulings from the Chair were requested relating to the procedures in the House and its Committees, as well as Rulings on alleged breaches of privilege. The use of the casting vote by the Chair was required on two occasions. Details of these Rulings can be found in Section 1.9 of this report.

8,366 parliamentary questions requiring an oral reply were raised and answered, whereas 111 requiring a written reply were answered.

2,550 documents were laid on the Table of the House, including 562 legal notices.

1 On 27 January the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joseph Muscat, called upon the Speaker to rule that the House be adjourned in terms of Standing Order 13 in order to debate the issuing of an outline permit in relation to the extension of the Delimara power station. The Speaker ruled that the criteria to suspend the parliamentary agenda were met and a debate was subsequently held in the House.

As in previous years, this report gives an overview of the work carried out by the House of Representatives and its Members.

- Section 1 provides statistical information relating to this work; - Section 2 provides details of the Standing Committees of the House; - Section 3 shows the work carried out by the Select Committees of the House; - Section 4 provides information on the international activities engaged in by the Members in 2010; - Section 5 contains information regarding the activities of the Association of Former Members of Parliament; - Section 6 provides information relating to activities involving the House of Representatives although they are not directly related to the legislative function of Parliament; and - Section 7 lists the instances where the House commemorated former Members of Parliament who have passed away during the year under review.

1.1.1 New initiatives taken by the Parliament in 2010

In 2010 the Parliament undertook a number of initiatives intended to enhance the knowledge of the public of parliamentary affairs and the work carried out in Parliament and by its Members. In order to highlight the institution of Parliament as being distinct from the Executive arm of Government, the webpage of the Parliament was renamed www.parlament.mt, without the .gov domain. The email addresses of the Members of Parliament and the parliamentary staff were similarly changed to @parlament.mt rather than @gov.mt.

During 2010 the Maltese Parliament also undertook a number of initiatives aimed at helping Members of Parliament carry out research related to their parliamentary duties. These include:

- Daily local and foreign newspapers available in the Parliamentary Chamber;

- Access to the Times of Malta online archive, dating back to 1930;

- Access to the Lexis Nexis database, which comprises access to five billion searchable documents from more than 40,000 legal, current affairs and business sources;

- Access to the Lexis library which is a database covering a wide repertoire of UK law reports, full text journals and European Union cases and legislation; and

- Electronic access to The Economist.

2 Also in 2010, Parliament set up wi-fi internet in the Parliamentary Chamber for the use of journalists reporting from Parliament.

Furthermore, in 2010 the Maltese Parliament launched an outreach programme ‘Engaging with Civil Society’. On a regular basis Parliament hosts groups from civil society who as part of the programme first attend the question time of a parliamentary sitting and are then addressed by the Speaker of the House, the parliamentary Whips and the committee Chairmen. The guests are given an overview of the work carried out by Parliament, and also have the opportunity to pose questions to the Speaker and Members of Parliament present at the session.

In order to further promote the work being done by Parliament, in 2010 the speech by the Speaker of the House on the occasion of the Sette Giugno commemoration was translated into English and sent to all the foreign ambassadors accredited to Malta.

As a sign of respect to those Members of the House and former Members who pass away, in 2010 Parliament started publishing a booklet including a photo of the former Member, his/her oath of allegiance and maiden speech in Parliament. The family of the former Member is also invited to attend the commemoration in the House.

1.2 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME

During 2010, 25 acts were enacted by Parliament, ten of which were new acts and 15 amendment acts.

1.2.1. New legislation and objectives behind the Bills

 Act I of 2010 - Budget Measures Implementation Act

The objects of this Bill are to implement various Budget measures and other administrative measures.

 Act III of 2010 - Gov ernment Borrowing and Granting of Loans to the Hellenic Republic Act

The object of this Bill is to authorise and regulate the raising of loans for the purpose of entering into re-lending agreements with the Hellenic Republic.

 Act VIII of 2010 - Aircraft Registration Act

The object of this Bill is to regulate the registration of aircraft, aircraft mortgages and security interests and to repeal and re-enact various existing laws relating to such matters.

 Act X of 2010 - Environment and Development Planning Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to harmonize the legislative framework regulating the protection of the environment and development planning and to secure

3 that the principles of consistency, efficiency, accountability and enforcement are enhanced, thereby ensuring sustainable development.

 Act XIV of 2010 - Participation and Guar antees under the European Financial Stability Facility Act

The objects of this Bill are to allow the Government of Malta to participate in the European Financial Stability Facility.

 Act XV of 2010 - Appropriation (2011) Act

This Bill provides for the application of a sum not exceeding €1,980,611,940 for the service of the financial year 2011 to meet expenditure under the different Votes in the Schedule to this Bill.

 Act XVI of 2010 - Second (2010) Appropriation Act

This Bill provides for the application of a sum not exceeding €93,678,992 for the service of the Financial Year 2010 to meet expenditure under the Votes specified in the First Schedule to the Bill in addition to €1,901,907,362 appropriated by Act No. XIX of 2009 and for the appropriation of a further €8 for the service of the financial year 2010 to repay an equivalent amount withdrawn from the Contingencies Fund during the financial year 2010 under the Votes specified in the Second Schedule to the Bill.

 Act XVIII of 2010 - Government Borrow ing and Granting of Loans to Air Malta plc Act

The object of this Bill is to authorise and regulate the raising of loans for the purpose of entering into re-lending agreements with Air Malta plc with a view to enabling the rescuing and restructuring of the said company.

 Act XXI of 2010 - Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act

The object of this Bill is to provide for the ratification of the Convention on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement and Cooperation in respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children concluded on the 19 October, 1996 within the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

 Act XXV of 2010 - European Communities’ Financial Interests Convention Act

The objects of this Bill are to give full effect to the Convention on the Protection of the European Communities’ Financial Interests and to specify that the term “person” as used in certain Titles of the Criminal Code and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act includes the European Communities and its Institutions.

4 1.2.2. Amendment Acts and objectives behind the Bills

 Act II of 2010 - Financial In stitutions and other Financial Services law s (Amendment) Act

The main object of this Bill is to transpose Titles I and II, and Articles 80, 83 and 92 of Directive 2007/64/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 November 2007 on payment services in the internal market amending Directives 97/7/EC, 2002/65/EC, 2005/60/EC and 2006/48/EC and repealing Directive 97/5/ EC, as well as to affect some amendments to the Malta Financial Services Authority Act, Cap. 330, and the Banking Act, Cap. 371.

 Act IV of 2010 - Broadcasting (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to amend the Broadcasting Act to transpose into Maltese law the provisions of Directive 2007/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2007 amending Council Directive 89/552/EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities.

 Act V of 2010 - Various Laws (Civil Matters) (Amendment) Act

The main object and reason of this Bill is the clarification and further reform of the laws relating to the lease of immovable property.

 Act VI of 2010 - Probation (Amendment) Act

The objects of this Bill are to transpose the provisions of Council Framework Decision 2008/947/JHA of 27 November 2008 on the application of the principal of mutual recognition to judgments and probation decisions with a view to the supervision of probation measures and alternative sanctions into the laws of Malta, and more specifically into the Probation Act (Cap. 446) and to introduce further amendments to the said Act.

 Act VII of 2010 - Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Act

The objects of the Bill are to amend the Criminal Code with regards to proceedings instituted on the complaint of the injured party, where the complainant is the Head of a Government Department and to introduce a new contravention to public order; to introduce amendments in the Code of Police Laws with regards to the prevention of annoyance to neighbours by barking dogs and to introduce a new Part under the heading ‘Of the Classification of audio-visual material for Private Home Viewing’; to update the provisions in the Traffic Regulation Ordinance regarding the taking of specimens of breath, blood and body fluids; to amend the Motor Vehicle Insurance (Third Party Risks) Ordinance specifically to introduce a new sub-article relating to the depositions taken on oath of an authorised insurer and their admissibility as evidence and to amend the Arms Act in relation to the disqualification of licences following an offence under sub-article (2) of article 24 and the selling of toys in the shape of arms.

5  Act IX of 2010 - Laws (Arbitration and Mediation Matters) (Amendment) Act

The objects of this Bill are to update the provisions of the Arbitration Act, to allow for the removal of arbitrators and the right of appeal in mandatory arbitrations, to update the provisions of the Mediation Act, to allow for more transparency in the mediation process, and to transpose into national legislation the provisions of Council Directive 2008/52/EC of 21 May 2008 regarding mediation in cross-border civil and commercial matters.

 Act XI of 2010 - Motor Vehicles Registra tion and Licensing Act and Other Laws (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to revise the motor vehicle registration tax system on M2, M3, N1, N2 and N3 motor vehicles and to amend the Traffic Regulation Ordinance and the Authority for Transport in Malta Act.

 Act XII of 2010 - Communications Laws (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to repeal the Radiocommunications Act and amend various other laws relating to communications sectors enforced by the Malta Communications Authority including the Postal Services Act, the Electronic Communications (Regulation) Act, and the Malta Communications Authority Act.

 Act XIII of 2010 - Excise Duty (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to implement Council Directive 2008/ 118/EC of 16 December 2008 concerning the general arrangements for excise duty and repealing Directive 92/12/EEC.

 Act XVII of 2010 - Ombudsman (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to streamline the procedure adopted by specialised Commissioners for Administrative Investigations in the handling of complaints and in the determination procedure, to enable the Ombudsman to provide investigative and administrative services to such specialised Commissioners, and to designate such specialised Commissioners as Officers of Parliament.

 Act XIX of 2010 - Various Financial Services Laws (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to affect amendments to the Malta Financial Services Authority Act, the Financial Markets Act, the Companies Act and the Insurance Business Act.

 Act XX of 2010 - Civil Code (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to bring into force the provision of the judgment delivered by the Constitutional Court in res Ruth Debono Sultana and Silvio Debono vs Department for Social Welfare Standards and Minister for Social Policy on 3 April 2009.

6  Act XXII of 2010 - Private Guards and Local Wardens (Amendment) Act

The object of the Bill is to amend the Private Guards and Local Wardens Act by giving certain powers to, and imposing certain obligations on, specialised private guards.

 Act XXIII of 2010 - Civil Code (Amendment) (No. 2) Act

The object of this Bill is the update of the filiation provisions in the Civil Code.

 Act XXIV of 2010 - Conduct Certificates Ordinance (Amendment) Act

The objects of this Bill are to update the provisions of the Conduct Certificates Ordinance in view of amendments made, over the years, to the Criminal Code and related legislation.

1.3 PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS

8,366 parliamentary questions requiring an oral reply were raised and answered during the year under review, while 111 requiring a written reply, were also answered.

1.4 MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

The following eight ministerial statements were made to the House in 2010:

- Sitting No 178 – 11 January – Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, on the: - Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) convened in Trinidad and Tobago – 27-28 November 2009 - Meetings with the Prime Minister, the President and the Parliamentary Administrative Committee of Finland – 1 December 2009 - Meeting with the Prime Minister of Latvia – 2 December 2009 - Meeting with the Federal Chancellor of Austria – 3-4 December 2009 - European Council meeting – 10-11 December 2009 - Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change – 17-18 December 2009

- Sitting No 197 – 9 March – Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, on the decision by the European Court of Human Rights regarding crucifixes in school classrooms

- Sitting No 198 – 10 March – Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, on the Convention of Maltese living abroad meeting in Malta on 14 March 2010

- Sitting No 206 – 19 April – Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, on the European Council meeting of 25-26 March 2010 on the financial situation in Greece

7 - Sitting No 210 – 28 April – Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, on the official visit to the countries in the Gulf Area – 11 - 14 April 2010

- Sitting No 248 – 28 June – Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, on the European Council meeting of 17 June 2010

- Sitting No 290 – 29 November – Statement by the Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment, Hon. Tonio Fenech, with regard to a European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism; and an EU/IMF financial assistance programme for Ireland which includes a strengthening and comprehensive overhaul of the banking system

- Sitting No 294 – 7 December – Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, on the European Council meeting of 28-29 October 2010.

1.5 PETITIONS

During 2010 the following two petitions were deposited in Parliament:

- Sitting No 196 – 3 March – Petition presented by Hon. Michael Falzon on behalf of 8,237 persons for the correct application of a derogation from the EU Birds Directive to allow bird-trapping in the autumn of 2010.

- Sitting No 201 – 17 March – Petition presented by Hon. Charles Buhagiar on behalf of 42 residents residing in Ruzell Street, Attard, for the street to become one way.

- Sitting No 205 – 24 March – Petition presented by Hon. Gino Cauchi on behalf of 91 residents of Triq is-Sajjieda, Triq Fra Diegu and Triq Patri Feliċjan Bilocca, Marsa on the problem of sewage outflow after heavy rain.

1.6 MOTIONS

The Office of the Clerk received 70 motions during the year under review, 28 of which were in respect of First Readings of Bills. 11 motions were private Members’ motions.

Other than the motions for First Reading of Bills and a number of motions regarding the approval of the estimates of various government authorities and entities, a number of other motions were deposited in Parliament during 2010. These included procedural motions in order to bring into effect changes in the speakership of the House as well as the composition of a number of its committees; a motion for the Maltese Parliament to ratify an amendment to Protocol 36 of the Lisbon Treaty concerning the allocation of seats in the European Parliament; a motion for Malta to accede to the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Sources Agency (IRENA) and motions concerning the transfer of Government property.

The 11 private Members’ motions received were the following:

8 - Right to legal counsel for persons under arrest with the entry into force of article 355AT of the act amending the Criminal Code – submitted by Hon. José Herrera and Hon. Michael Falzon

- Revocation of Legal Notice 34 and Legal Notice 36 of 2010 (Electricity and Water supply fees) – submitted by Hon. Joe Mizzi

- Amendments to Legal Notice 296 of 2010 (Public Procurement Regulations) – submitted by Hon. Angelo Farrugia

- Motion of no confidence in the Minister of Education, Employment and the Family – submitted by Hon. Owen Bonnici

- Call for the inclusion of a representative of the Forum Unions Maltin in the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) – submitted by Hon. Gino Cauchi

- Bill on divorce – presented by Hon. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando

- The water and electricity billing system at ARMS Ltd – submitted by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joseph Muscat

- Revocation of Legal Notice 356 of 2010 (Malta Environment and Planning Authority – Tariffs) – submitted by Hon. Roderick Galdes

- Measures to guarantee the safe crossing of the Mrieħel Bypass by the residents of Tal-Blat, Qormi – submitted by Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca

- Gender Identity Bill – presented by Hon. Evarist Bartolo

- Bill amending the Civil Code referring to the introduction of divorce – presented by Hon. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando and Hon. Evarist Bartolo.

The motion submitted by Hon. José Herrera and Hon. Michael Falzon on the right to legal counsel for persons under arrest with the entry into force of article 355AT of the act amending the Criminal Code, was not renewed as provided for in the Standing Orders of the House, and thus lapsed.

1.7 PAPERS LAID

In 2010, a total of 2,563 documents were laid on the Table of the House, 562 of which were legal notices. The majority of these documents were replies given to parliamentary questions submitted by Members of Parliament to the various ministers.

A number of documents were tabled by the Speaker. These documents included replies to parliamentary questions submitted to the Speaker, the Annual Review of the House of Representatives for 2009, and reports received from the Ombudsman and from the National Audit Office.

9 1.8 DIVISIONS

Divisions called and taken in 2010 totalled 63.

The casting vote of the Deputy Chairman of Committees was required and cast on two occasions.

1.9 RULINGS

In 2010 Members of the House called upon the Speaker 21 times to give a ruling on various issues arising during debates in plenary as well as during committee meetings. The rulings given by the Chair were the following:

- Sitting No 186 – 27 January – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on the adjournment of the House in terms of the provisions of Standing Order 13

- Sitting No 203 – 22 March – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by Hon. Robert Arrigo on 8 March 2010 with regard to harassment of Members of Parliament upon their arrival at Parliament on 1 March 2010

- Sitting No 203 – 22 March – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by Hon. Charles Mangion on 15 March 2010 against NET TV and ‘Il-Mument’ with regard to an incident concerning Mr Vince Farrugia

- Sitting No 205 – 24 March – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on a point of order raised by Hon. Joe Mizzi with regard to papers laid on the Table of the House

- Sitting No 217 – 6 May – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on the pecuniary interest of a Member of Parliament

- Sitting No 218 – 10 May – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker as to when in a sitting can a ruling be delivered and as to whether there was a conflict of interest since the ruling referred to events taking place during a Sitting (S. 217 of 6 May 2010) presided by same Chair

- Sitting No 218 – 10 May – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on whether there was a violation of the Constitution when Mr Speaker gave a ruling on a matter in which he himself had an interest

- Sitting No 218 – 10 May – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on whether the minutes of the House should reflect an internal communication between staff of the House and Mr Speaker, which was not brought to the attention of the House

- Sitting No 218 – 10 May – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on whether the House could proceed to the confirmation of the minutes before the delivery of a ruling on points raised by Hon. Justyne Caruana

10 - Sitting No 220 – 12 May – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on whether the divisions that were requested by Hon. Leo Brincat in Sitting 215 of 5 May 2010 should take place at the end of that Sitting in accordance with Procedure Motion 78

- Sitting No 220 – 12 May – Ruling delivered by the Deputy Chairman of Committees explaining his casting vote on a vote called on an amendment to the Environment and Development Planning Bill proposed by Hon. Leo Brincat

- Sitting No 220 – 12 May – Ruling delivered by the Deputy Chairman of Committees explaining his casting vote on a vote called on an amendment to the Environment and Development Bill proposed by Hon. Leo Brincat

- Sitting No 250 – 5 July – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by Hon. Joe Mizzi against ‘In-Nazzjon’, ‘Il-Mument’ and Net TV with regard to the deferred division taken on Clause 6 of the Environment and Development Bill

- Sitting No 253 – 12 July – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by the Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Jason Azzopardi against One TV and ‘maltastar.com’ with regard to their report of the parliamentary debate on the privatisation of the Malta Dockyards

- Sitting No 253 – 12 July – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by the Hon. Joe Mizzi against ‘In-Nazzjon’ with regard to an opinion letter on the deferred division taken on Clause 6 of the Environment and Development Planning Bill

- Sitting No 255 – 14 July – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on a point of order raised by Hon. Justyne Caruana with regard to the vote taken in the House during Sitting 217 of 6 May 2010

- Sitting No 255 – 14 July – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by Hon. David Agius against ‘L-Orizzont’, ‘illum’ and Mr Christopher Cutajar with regard to the vote taken in the House during Sitting 217 of 6 May 2010

- Sitting No 260 – 11 October – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on a point of order raised by Hon. Austin Gatt during a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee on 6 October, regarding the proceedings of a committee meeting, including the setting and approval of a committee’s agenda, the requisite of a quorum and the summoning of witnesses

- Sitting No 262 – 13 October – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on a point of order raised by Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in terms of Standing Order 25 (Same motion cannot be proposed again in same session)

11 - Sitting No 277 – 8 November – Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on a point of order raised by Hon. Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, with regard to the summoning of witnesses by the Public Accounts Committee

- Sitting No 294 – 7 December - Ruling delivered by Mr Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca against ‘The Times’.

1.10 PARLIAMENTARY WHIPS

Parliamentary Whips are Members of Parliament appointed by each political party represented in the House of Representatives to facilitate the contribution of the parliamentary political group to parliamentary business, so that it can proceed smoothly. By virtue of the nature of this role, both Whips are members of the House Business Committee.

Another responsibility of the Parliamentary Whips is to ensure the regular presence in Parliament of Members in their parliamentary group especially when votes are taken and when divisions are called.

Whips are also responsible for keeping Members in their respective parliamentary groups supplied with information about the business of the House, propose Members to serve on standing and select committees and also nominate Members on delegations participating at meetings abroad.

Hon. David Agius is the Government Whip whilst Hon. Joe Mizzi is the Opposition Whip.

Hon. David Agius Hon. Joe Mizzi Government Whip Opposition Whip

12 1.11 LEADER OF THE HOUSE

The Leader of the House features in the Standing Orders, defined as being the Minister responsible for Parliamentary Affairs. By virtue of this role, the Leader of the House is primarily responsible for the arrangement of Government business in the House, and for setting the parliamentary schedule of the House together with the Government Whip and the Opposition Whip during the meetings of the House Business Committee, presided by the Speaker of the House.

Hon. Tonio Borg Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Leader of the House

13

Swearing in of Hon. Peter Micallef in March

Swearing in of Hon. Michael Frendo as Speaker of the House of Representatives in April

Swearing in of Hon. Karl Gouder in April

14 2. STANDING COMMITTEES

The Standing Committees of the House, established with the cooperation and approval of both sides of the House in 1995, are of particular relevance in the workings of the House of Representatives. The Standing Committees, which are an extension of the House itself, have provided that professional touch by which various issues are discussed.

The Standing Committees have furthermore introduced an element of consultation with civil society. Technical experts and representatives from various organisations are invited to discuss and contribute through their expertise on particular subjects. More than that, meetings of the Standing Committees are open to the public and the media and are streamed on the parliamentary website, thus facilitating an even closer relationship between the people and their elected representatives in Parliament.

Committees may submit recommendations to the House for its consideration.

The House has six Standing Committees, namely,

. Standing Committee on House Business . Standing Committee on Privileges . Standing Committee on Public Accounts . Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs . Standing Committee on Social Affairs . Standing Committee for Consideration of Bills.

The Environment and Development Planning Act (2010) (Cap. 504) and the Auditor General and National Audit Office Act (1997) (Cap. 396), provide for the setting up of the Standing Committee on Environment and Development Planning and the National Audit Office Accounts Committee, respectively.

2.1 STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOUSE BUSINESS

The Standing Committee on House Business was set up by way of Motion 9 of 12 May 2008 and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the House of

Representatives

Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Members Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Leader of the House

Hon. David Agius Hon. Frederick Azzopardi Hon. Angelo Farrugia

Hon. Michael Frendo Hon. Joe Mizzi

15 ‘120C. (1) The Standing Committee on House Business shall have power to:

(a) distribute Bills and other business among the Standing Committees appointed in accordance with the provisions of Standing Orders 96, 120A and 120B;

(b) (i) determine the number of sittings to be allotted for the consideration of a Bill by a Standing Committee; (ii) allocate business to each sitting of a Standing Committee; and (iii) determine the time when any business, if not previously concluded, shall be concluded by a Standing Committee; and

(c) consider all matters of procedure and business of the House, and report its opinion thereon to the House from time to time.

(2) A report of all resolutions carried by the Standing Committee on House Business shall be made to the House at the next sitting after a resolution is carried, immediately after Question time, and shall be recorded in the Minutes of the proceedings of the House.

(3) (a) The Standing Committee on House Business shall be constituted of the Leader of the House, two members nominated by the Prime Minister and two members nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. (b) Three members in attendance shall constitute a quorum.

(4) Substitute members shall also be appointed for each member of the Standing Committee on House Business and the provisions of paragraph (4) of Standing Order 120B shall also apply.

(5) The Standing Committee on House Business shall be chaired by the Speaker who shall not vote unless on any question the votes are equally divided, in which case he shall have and exercise a casting vote.’

The principal task of this Committee is to organise the business of the House by distributing Bills and other work to the other Standing Committees and the House, establishing and scheduling the number of sittings to be allocated to parliamentary debates and to consider other procedural issues. Correspondence received by the Speaker is also brought to the attention of the Committee.

The Standing Committee on House Business was convened 10 times in 2010.

2.2 STANDING COMMITTEE ON PRIVILEGES

The Standing Committee on Privileges was set up by way of Motion 17 of 2 June 2008. It is composed as follows:

16 Chairperson Hon. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Leader of the House Hon. Owen Bonnici

Hon. Angelo Farrugia

Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami Hon. Michael Frendo Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

‘120D. (1) The Standing Committee on Privileges shall have power to consider cases referred to it by the Speaker or by the House and to take such decisions and to make such recommendations as provided in the Standing Orders and in the House of Representatives (Privileges and Powers) Ordinance or in any law from time to time substituting the said Ordinance;

(2) The Standing Committee shall be constituted of the Leader of the House, two Members nominated by the Prime Minister and two members nominated by the Leader of the Opposition;

(3) The provisions of paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) of Standing Order 120C shall mutatis mutandis apply to the Standing Committee on Privileges;

(4) The Standing Committee on Privileges shall, without prejudice to the provision of the Standing Order 164, have power and authority to summon witnesses and order the production of documents before it. The Standing Committee on Privileges may request the attendance of the Attorney General or of his representative, who may also be authorized to participate in the proceedings, but he shall in no case have a vote thereat.’

The Standing Committee on Privileges did not meet in 2010.

2.3 STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts was set up by Motion 16 of 2 June and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Charles Mangion

Members Hon. Robert Arrigo Hon. Helena Dalli Hon. Tonio Fenech, Minister of Finance, the

Economy and Investment Hon. Austin Gatt, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Hon. Philip Mifsud Hon. Charles Mangion Hon. Alfred Sant

17 The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is chaired by a Member nominated by the Opposition. This follows the system adopted in the UK House of Commons.

Standing Order 120E outlines the powers and the composition of the Public Accounts Committee as follows:

‘120E. (1) The Standing Committee on Public Accounts shall have the power to:

(a) inquire into matters relating to public accounts referred to it by the House, a Minister or the Director of Audit; (b) inquire into expenditure as is referred to in subsection (3) of section 103 and section 104 of the Constitution; (c) examine the accounts of statutory authorities, including parastatal organisations, whose accounts are presented to Parliament; (d) request the Director of Audit to submit memoranda on any matter where a request for such submission is made by at least three members of the Standing Committee; (e) consider memoranda submitted by the Director of Audit, made upon a request made to him in virtue of paragraph (d) hereof, or on his own initiative; (f) examine reports, and related documents, made by the Director of Audit; (g) report to the House on any accounts, reports or documents referred in the previous paragraphs hereof; (h) report to the House on any change that it considers desirable in the form of the accounts, on the manner in which they are kept, on revenue or expenditure or the control of money; and (i) discuss Malta’s monetary policy and receive reports thereon from the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta.

(2) The Public Accounts Committee shall consist of not more than seven members of whom four shall constitute a quorum. The members shall be chosen so as fairly to represent the House in general and the proportion of Government and Opposition members in particular;

(3) The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of Standing Order 120B shall apply to the Public Accounts Committee;

(4) One of the members nominated by the Leader of the Opposition and so designated by him after consultation with the Leader of the House shall be appointed Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. The Chairman shall have an original vote but shall not have a casting vote.’

In 2010 the Public Accounts Committee met 15 times. The Committee started discussing the annual report of the Auditor General for the Year 2008. The main items from the report that were discussed were the analysis of variances regarding revenue and expenditure items, the recording of investments and abandoned claims, debenture interests as received from the Water Services Corporation, pending advances issued to the Malta Drydocks Corporation and the Malta Shipbuilding Co. Ltd to be repaid from the Consolidated Fund, bank balances as reported in the financial report, letters

18 of comfort and bank guarantees, corporate issues and local councils. The Committee also discussed at length the report ‘Investigation into the financial loss on the Fairmount Heavy Transport (FHT) projects’ drawn up by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the Malta Shipyards and also the Auditor General’s report on the Enemalta Corporation tender for generating capacity.

The Auditor General and officials from the National Audit Office were present for all the meetings of the Public Accounts Committee, whilst a number of officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment, from the Office of the Prime Minister and other ministries participated in these meetings. During the discussion on the Malta Shipyards report, senior officials from PricewaterhouseCoopers were also present.

Details of the meetings held in 2010 are as follows:

3 February Report by the Auditor General - Public Accounts 2008 i. Analysis of the financial report 2008: a. Analysis of variances re Revenue/Expenditure items b. Recording of Investments and Abandoned Claims c. Debenture interests recorded as received from the Water Services Corporation d. Pending advances issued to the Malta Drydocks Corporation and the Malta Shipbuilding Co. Ltd to be repaid from the Consolidated Fund e. Bank balances as reported in the financial report f. Letters of Comfort and Bank Guarantees ii. Corporate Issues: Audit of Ministerial/Departmental Bank Accounts

3 March Report by the Auditor General - Public Accounts 2008 - Corporate Issues: Arrears of Revenue 2008; - Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs - Police Department: Arrears of revenue 2008; - Ministry of Finance - Treasury Division: Arrears of revenue in respect of pension claims due by public entities; - Ministry for Investment, Industry and Information Technology - Reimbursements: main sewer contributions

22 March Discussion on the report entitled ‘Malta Shipyards - Investigation into the financial loss on the Fairmount Heavy Transport (FHT) projects’

23 March Discussion on the report entitled ‘Malta Shipyards - Investigation into the financial loss on the Fairmount Heavy Transport (FHT) projects’ (Cont.)

21 April Discussion on the report entitled ‘Malta Shipyards - Investigation into the financial loss on the Fairmount Heavy Transport (FHT) projects’ (Cont.)

5 May Discussion on the report entitled ‘Malta Shipyards - Investigation into the financial loss on the Fairmount Heavy Transport (FHT) projects’ (Cont.)

19 12 May Discussion on the report entitled ‘Malta Shipyards - Investigation into the financial loss on the Fairmount Heavy Transport (FHT) projects’ (Cont.)

2 June Report by the Auditor General - Public Accounts 2008 Analysis of the financial report 2008: a. Public Debt b. Letters of Comfort and Bank Guarantees (Contingent Liabilities-2008)

23 June Report by the Auditor General - Public Accounts 2008: Local Councils

6 October Report by the Auditor General - Public Accounts 2008

11 October Report by the Auditor General - Enemalta Corporation Tender for Generating Capacity (GN/DPS 8/2006)

18 October Report by the Auditor General - Enemalta Corporation Tender for Generating Capacity (GN/DPS 8/2006) (Cont.)

16 November Report by the Auditor General - Enemalta Corporation Tender for Generating Capacity (GN/DPS 8/2006) (Cont.).

2.4 STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs was set up by Motion 18 of 2 June 2008 and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

Members Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Francis Agius

Hon. Charlò Bonnici Hon. Owen Bonnici Hon. Luciano Busuttil Hon. Leo Brincat Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech Hon. George Vella

In addition to Motion 18, Motions 50, 139 and 142 determine the current list of Committee Members, as shown above.

‘120F. (1) The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs shall consist of not more than nine members of whom five shall constitute a quorum. The members shall be chosen so as fairly to represent the House in general and the proportion of Government and Opposition members in particular:

Provided that the Government members appointed on the Standing Committee shall include the Minister for Foreign Affairs who shall have the right to participate and to vote:

20 Provided further that members of the European Parliament elected from Malta shall have the right to participate in the work of the Standing Committee but shall not have the right to vote or to move motions and amendments.

(2) The Chairperson of the Committee shall be nominated by the Leader of the House from amongst the members representing the Government side, provided that any member of the Committee may, at any time, be appointed by the Leader of the House to act as Chairperson in case of the unavoidable absence of the Chairperson.

(3) The Standing Committee shall have the power to appoint select sub- committees and to delegate any of its functions to such sub-committees.

Provided that the composition of any sub-committee appointed by the Standing Committee shall be determined by the Standing Committee so as fairly to represent the House in general and the proportion of Government and Opposition members in particular.

(4) Subject to what is stated in this Standing Order, the provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of Standing Order 120B shall mutatis mutandis apply to the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs.

(5) The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs shall have the following functions:

(i) to deal with matters relating to foreign and European Union affairs which may be referred to it by the House or by the Standing Committee on House Business;

(ii) in the context of European Union issues and measures to be taken by the Council of Ministers of the European Union, to scrutinise on its own initiative:

(a) any proposals under the Community treaties for legislation by the Council or the Council acting jointly with the European Parliament; (b) any document which is published for submission to the European Council, the Council or the European Central Bank; (c) any proposal for a common strategy, a joint action or a common position under Title V of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council or to the European Council; (d) any proposal for a common position, framework, decision or a convention under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union which is prepared for submission to the Council; (e) any document (not falling within (b), (c) or (d) above) which is published by one Union institution and which does

21 not relate exclusively to the consideration of any proposal for legislation; and (f) any other document relating to European Union matters placed on the Table of the House by any Minister; and

(iii) to represent the House of Representatives of Malta at the Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC).’

During 2010 the Foreign and European Affairs Committee met 18 times in plenary which included meetings with Ms Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs; Dr Werner Hoyer, German State Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Sven Alkalaj, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Dr Saeb Erekat, Chief Palestinian Negotiator.

On 30 September 2010 the Committee discussed and approved the Draft Order on the Protocol Amending Protocol No. 36 on Transitory Provisions attached to the European Union Treaty, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community relating to the allocation of seats in the European Parliament. This motion was of particular importance to Malta in view of the fact that Malta would gain an additional seat in the European Parliament once this Protocol is ratified by all the 27 Member States of the EU.

Details of the meetings held in 2010 are as follows:

19 January Meeting with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom led by the Rt. Hon. Sir John Stanley

20 January Meeting with Hon. Gianfranco Fini, President of the Italian Camera dei Deputati

2 February General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 25 January Malta's military presence overseas

11 February Meeting with: - HE Pedro Nunez Mosquera. Permanent Representative of Cuba to the UN and Vice Chairman of the UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People - HE Riyad Mansour, Ambassador and Permanent Observer of Palestine to the UN - HE Saviour Borg, Malta's Permanent Representative to the UN and rapporteur to the same committee - Mr Wolfgang Grieger, Director of Palestinian Affairs Division at the UN Who were participating at the international meeting in support of Israeli- Palestinian peace held in Malta on 12-13 February 2010

12 February Meeting with: - Dr Saeb Erekat, Chief Palestinian Negotiator - HE Riyhad Mansour, Palestinian Permanent Observer to the UN

22 - HE Jurban Taweel, Palestinian Ambassador to Malta

2 March General Affairs and External Relations Council held on 22 February

30 April Meeting with Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs

12 May Work Programme of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee

2 June Meeting with a delegation from the Internal Affairs Committee of the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany, led by Dr Hans-Peter Uhl

4 June General Affairs and External Relations Council meetings held in May and June

10 June Meeting with Mr Sven Alkalaj, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina

6 July Administrative matters

16 July Meeting with HE Paolo A. Trabalza, Ambassador of Italy to Malta, on relations between Malta and Italy

7 September COSAC Questionnaire for the 14th Bi-annual report of COSAC

30 September Discussion on the Draft Order on the Protocol Amending Protocol No. 36 on Transitory Provisions attached to the European Union Treaty, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community (relating to Malta's 6th seat in the European Parliament)

14 October Meeting with Ambassador Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, Secretary General of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

1 November Meeting with Dr Werner Hoyer, German State Minister for Foreign Affairs

8 November Meeting with Lord John Roper, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the House of Lords.

2.4.1 Informal Meetings

The Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, met HE Mr Grigol Vashadze, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, on 21 May, where they discussed bilateral relations, the situation in the Caucasus Region and Georgia-EU relations.

On 23 July Mr Speaker, together with the Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, met a delegation from the Senate of Thailand led by Mr Nikom Wairatpanij, First Vice President of the Senate, and a number of chairmen of committees in the Senate of Thailand. During this meeting bilateral relations and the workings of parliament and parliamentary committees were discussed.

23 2.4.2 Sub-Committees

In accordance with paragraph 3 of Standing Order 120F, four Working Groups were set up in 2008:

Working Group 1

Chairperson Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

Members Hon. Luciano Busuttil Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami

Hon. George Vella

Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

The objective of this Working Group is to analyse the EU pipeline acquis in preliminary scrutiny, that is, to identify those documents of political or legal importance and to reach a decision on whether a particular document should be cleared without reserve or referred for debate at the plenary of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, Working Group 2, Working Group 3, Working Group 4 or the Social Affairs Committee.

Working Group 2

Chairperson Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia

Members Minister responsible for the acquis Hon. Francis Agius Hon. Roderick Galdes Hon. Gavin Gulia Member ad hoc from Government Member ad hoc from Opposition

Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia

Working Group 2 addresses issues related to economic and monetary affairs, taxation, transport and energy, budget, internal market and customs union.

Working Group 3

Chairperson Hon. Charlò Bonnici

Members Minister responsible for the acquis Hon. Joseph Falzon Hon. Noel Farrugia Hon. Joseph Sammut Member ad hoc from Government Member ad hoc from Opposition Hon. Charlò Bonnici

24 The areas of competence of Working Group 3 include health, development and humanitarian aid, rural development, agriculture and fisheries, and justice and home affairs.

Working Group 4

Chairperson Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami

Members Minister responsible for the acquis Hon. Chris Agius Hon. Evarist Bartolo Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech Member ad hoc from Government Member ad hoc from Opposition Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami

The areas of competence of Working Group 4 include research, employment and culture, consumer protection, environment and regional policy.

The Foreign and European Affairs Committee, in Plenary and through its Working Groups, also has the power to scrutinise on its own initiative legislative proposals or documents that originate from European Union institutions and measures to be taken by the Council of Ministers.

2.4.3 Meetings of the Working Groups

Working Group 1 held 8 sessions during 2010 to scrutinise 361 legislative and non- legislative proposals including reports, staff working documents, Green Papers and White Papers. Of these documents, 338 were cleared by Working Group 1; 21 documents were referred to the ministries concerned for further information whereas two documents were cleared by Working Group 4 following further discussions with the ministers concerned.

2.5 STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL AFFAIRS

The Standing Committee on Social Affairs was set up by Motion 19 of 2 June 2008 and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Edwin Vassallo

Members Hon. Frederick Azzopardi Hon. Justyne Caruana Hon. Michael Farrugia Hon. Michael Gonzi Hon. Stephen Spiteri Hon. Anthony Zammit

Hon. Edwin Vassallo

In addition to Motion 19, Motions 53 and 71 determined the current list of Committee Members, as shown above.

25 Standing Order 120G states that:

‘120G. (1) The Committee for Social Affairs shall deal with all matters relating to social policy, including social assistance and family matters, which may be referred to it by the House or by the Standing Committee on House Business.

(2) The provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of Standing Order 120E shall mutatis mutandis apply to the Social Affairs Committee.’

The Social Affairs Committee met 36 times during 2010, during which various subjects concerning family issues and other socially related matters were discussed.

After several meetings dedicated to the works in the Family Court, the Committee published the report – Safeguarding Children’s Rights and Interests – Proceedings in the Family Court. This was the fifth report compiled by the Social Affairs Committee in the 11th Legislature. The main purpose of this report was to recommend actions that would minimise the emotional shock that children go through when their parents separate and from their presence at Court proceedings. To compile this report, the Committee held a number of meetings with the Family Court officials, mediators and separated persons or persons who were going through the process of separation. The aim of these meetings was to understand what children experience when their parents separate. Furthermore, two committee sessions were turned into a public consultation forum where lawyers, mediators, police, social workers, persons who were going through or had gone through legal separation, and the general public had the chance to voice their opinions on the situation.

In 2010, the Committee held concluding sessions on issues which had been thoroughly discussed during the previous year, namely, domestic violence in Malta, the family and the elderly and the family and disabled persons. A report on each issue is still to be drawn up. These issues were included in the work programme that the Social Affairs Committee had proposed for the 11th Legislature.

Also on the issue of matters related to the family, officials from the National Statistics Office were invited to present statistics on marriage breakdown during the past five years to back information on the various causes of marriage breakdown in Malta.

The subject of cohabitation was analysed in a number of ways during 2010. In the first part of the year, proposals outlined by the Social Affairs Committee were published inviting the general public to give their feedback on the subject. A good number of persons submitted their proposals for the consideration of the Committee. Moreover, in conjunction with the Social Affairs Committee’s proposals regarding cohabitation, the National Council of Women organised a Public Dialogue on the same subject and submitted a report with the feedback received during this public dialogue. The Committee also invited Dr Philip M. Magri who gave a detailed presentation on the regulation of cohabitation in Malta, which formed part of his studies for a Ph.D.

The harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation was another issue that featured on the Social Affairs Committee’s agenda. This issue was discussed at great length by people in this sector who explained the various adverse reactions from mobile phone base stations. A

26 number of experts in the field were invited by the Committee to give scientific data relating to the waves transmitted by these masts.

Education reform and student support services and the issues relating to lesbian, gay, bi- sexual and transgender families in Malta, were also discussed during 2010. These subjects will feature on the Committee’s agenda in the coming year.

In the summer of 2010 an ad hoc committee was formed to discuss access to football matches on local television stations. This issue was placed on the Committee’s agenda when a number of World Cup football matches were not broadcast on the national television station as free to air, but sold to one of the leading cable TV service providers. This subject was debated at length during a number of meetings with the participation of all the parties involved. Further discussions on this issue are expected to be held in 2011.

Another ad hoc committee to discuss the influx of irregular immigrants to Malta, was set up within the Social Affairs Committee during 2010. During the two meetings of this ad hoc Committee the Minister of Justice and Home Affairs informed the Members on the prevailing situation.

Details of the meetings held in 2010 are as follows:

19 January Report entitled ‘Safeguarding children's rights and interests - Proceedings in the Family Court’

20 January Report entitled ‘Safeguarding children's rights and interests - Proceedings in the Family Court’ (Cont.)

2 March Report entitled ‘Safeguarding children's rights and interests - Proceedings in the Family Court’ (Cont.)

9 March Marriage breakdown: A collection of statistics. Presentation by Mr Etienne Caruana, Director Social Statistics and Information Society, National Statistics Office

10 March Harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (Mobile Telephony Antennas) - Discussion with Prof. Daniel Massa

16 March Marriage breakdown: A collection of statistics. Presentation by Mr Etienne Caruana, Director Social Statistics and Information Society, National Statistics Office (Cont.)

17 March Report entitled ‘Safeguarding children's rights and interests - Proceedings in the Family Court’ (Cont.)

23 March Report entitled ‘Safeguarding children's rights and interests - Proceedings in the Family Court’ (Cont.)

24 March Report entitled ‘Safeguarding children's rights and interests - Proceedings in the Family Court’ (Cont.)

27 21 April Presentation by the Commissioner for Children, Ms Carmen Zammit, on the 2009 annual report

27 April Education reform and student support services – Presentation by Ms Micheline Sciberras

4 May Report entitled ‘Safeguarding children's rights and interests - Proceedings in the Family Court’ (Cont.)

11 May The launch of the drinkaware website - Presentation by Mr Joseph Farrugia, CEO, The Sense Group

12 May Irregular immigration - Presentation by the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta and by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs

12 May Appointment of the Commissioner for Children (meeting held in camera)

18 May Update on domestic violence - Discussion with Dr Marceline Naudi and Ms Maryanne Gauci (APPOĠĠ)

25 May The family and the elderly - Discussion with the National Council for the Elderly (Continuation of the debate from 2009)

26 May Addressing the problems of persons with disability and their families - Presentation by the National Parents’ Society of Persons with Disability

1 June The rights of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender families in Malta

8 June Harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (Mobile Telephony Antennas) (Cont.)

15 June Public consultation regarding the Family Court

16 June Public consultation regarding the Family Court (Cont.)

22 June Access to the broadcasting of football matches on local television stations

23 June Regulation of cohabitation - Presentation by the National Council of Women's Organisations on feedback received during a public dialogue organised by the same Council

28 June Access to the broadcasting of football matches on local television stations (Cont.)

6 July Education reform and student support services (Cont.)

9 July Access to the broadcasting of football matches on local television stations (Cont.)

28 13 July Regulation of cohabitation in Malta - Presentation by Dr Philip M Magri

12 October Approval of the report on the role of the family and persons with disability

19 October Approval of the report on the role of the family and persons with disability (Cont.)

26 October Approval of the report on the role of the family and persons with disability (Cont.)

2 November Approval of the report on the role of the family and persons with disability (Cont.)

16 November Approval of the report on the role of the family and persons with disability (Cont.)

23 November Approval of the report on the role of the family and persons with disability (Cont.)

30 November Irregular immigration - Update by the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs

30 November Approval of the report on the role of the family and persons with disability (Cont.)

14 December Appointment of the members of the Council for the Voluntary Sector - Consultation with the Minister of Education, Employment and the Family (meeting held in camera).

2.6 STANDING COMMITTEE FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

The Standing Committee for the Consideration of Bills was set up by Motion 20 of 2 June 2008 and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Francis Agius

Members Seven Members, four Government Members including the Chairperson, and three Opposition Members appointed according to the Bill under discussion

Hon. Francis Agius

The principal task of the Committee for the Consideration of Bills is to consider Bills referred to it by the House after the conclusion of the debate in the Second Reading stage or by the House Business Committee. The work of the Committee is regulated by Standing Order 120B:

29 ‘120B. (1) In addition to the Standing Committees listed in Standing Order 120A, the House may, on motion made after notice, appoint such Standing Committee as may be necessary for the consideration of Bills or other business committed or referred by the House to a Standing Committee.

(2) A motion as is referred to in paragraph (1) of this Standing Order shall:

(a) fix the number of members to serve on the Standing Committee which is to be so composed in such manner as appears practicable to the House as fairly to represent the House in general and the proportion of Government and Opposition members in the House in particular; and

(b) name the Chairman who shall preside the Standing Committee.

(3) Each side of the House shall nominate the members representing it on a Standing Committee, and shall also nominate alternate members for any members so appointed. The members and alternate members representing the Government side shall be nominated by the Leader of the House while the members and alternate members representing the Opposition side shall be nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. The name of members and alternate members so nominated and appointed by the House shall be recorded in the Minutes of the sitting.

(4) Each side of the House may substitute any member or alternate member nominated by it in accordance with paragraph (3) hereof to represent it on a Standing Committee. Such substitution shall only have effect after the Speaker is notified therewith. The Speaker shall, at the first available opportunity, notify the House, or, if the House is in recess, the Standing Committee on House Business.

(5) Government Bills referred to a Standing Committee shall have precedence over the other business of the Standing Committee and shall unless otherwise ordered by the House, be considered in such order as the Standing Committee on House Business may determine.’

The Standing Committee for the Consideration of Bills met 15 times in 2010. 17 Bills were discussed, approved and referred back to the House for Third Reading.

Details of the meetings held in 2010 are as follows:

24 March Budgetary Measures Implementation Bill

24 May Broadcasting (Amendment) (No 2) Bill

25 May Various Laws (Civil Matters) (Amendment) (No 2) Bill Probation (Amendment) Bill

26 May Various Laws (Civil Matters) (Amendment) (No 2) Bill Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Bill

30 31 May Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Bill

01 June Aircraft Registration Bill

14 June Motor Vehicles Registration and Licensing Act and other Laws

15 June Laws relating to Arbitration and Mediation Matters

20 October Building Regulation Bill

26 October Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill

2 November Various Financial Services Laws (Amendment) Bill

10 November Building Regulation Bill

22 November Civil Code (Amendment) Bill

24 November Building Regulation Bill

6 December Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Bill European Communities' Financial Interests Convention Bill Private Guards and Local Wardens Bill Conduct Certificates Ordinance (Amendment) Bill Civil Code (Amendment) Bill.

2.7 NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

The National Audit Office Accounts Committee was set up by Motion 21 of 2 June 2008 in accordance with Part IV of the National Audit Office Act as follows:

‘13. There shall be a Committee to be styled the National Audit Office Accounts Committee (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Committee’) which shall be composed as follows:

(i) the member of the House of Representatives who is for the time being Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives or such other committee of the said House from time to time replacing such Committee;

(ii) the Minister responsible for parliamentary affairs (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Leader of the House of Representatives’);

(iii) three members of the House of Representatives appointed by the said House upon a motion by the Leader of the House of Representatives, as to two members from among members supporting the Government and as to the remaining member from among the members in Opposition.

31 14. The Committee shall from time to time but not less often than once a year present to the House of Representatives (through the Leader of the House of Representatives) a report of its activities and the report of its examination of any estimates prepared by the Auditor General.

15. The Committee shall elect a chairman from among its members, and may regulate its own proceedings.

16. Upon the dissolution of the House of Representatives the Committee shall be deemed to be dissolved until it is next reconstituted after the House next meets. Where upon the dissolution of the House of Representatives the sum to be established for the purposes of paragraph 8 of Part III is not so established or the House has not after the end of a financial year established the said sum, the Auditor General shall be entitled to expend, each month, a sum equivalent to one twelfth of the sum or sums established for the previous financial year, until the said sum is so established.

17. The validity of any proceedings of the Committee shall not be affected by any vacancy among its members or by any defect in the appointment or nomination of any of its members.’

It is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Leader of the House

Members Hon. Charles Mangion, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Hon. Chris Agius Hon. Philip Mifsud

Hon. Tonio Borg Hon. Jesmond Mugliett

The National Audit Office Accounts Committee met five times in 2010. The Committee discussed the NAO report for 2009 and its estimates for the financial year 2010. It also discussed a resolution on the transfer of government property to Palumbo Malta Shipyard Limited and to the Manoel Island Yacht Yard Limited, a resolution on the transfer of government property to Malta Industrial Parks Limited (MIP) and a resolution on changes to the contract between the Government and Fort Chambray Limited, Forti Resort Hotel Limited and Forti Development Limited, respectively. In its last meeting for 2010, the NAO Accounts Committee discussed the NAO report for 2010 and its estimates for the financial year 2011.

Details of the meetings held in 2010 are as follows:

13 January NAO annual report and financial statements as at 31 December 2008; and NAO estimates for financial year 2010

32 23 April Motion regarding the transfer of government property to Palumbo Malta Shipyard Limited Motion regarding the transfer of government property to Manoel Island Yacht Yard Limited

30 June Motion regarding the transfer of government property to Malta Industrial Parks Limited (MIP)

13 July Motion on the amendments to the contract between the Government and Fort Chambray Limited, Forti Resort Hotel Limited and Forti Development Limited

7 December NAO annual report and financial statements as at 31 December 2009; and NAO financial estimates for the year 2011.

2.8 STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

Motion 196 moved in the House by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi in November 2010 set up the Standing Committee on Environment and Development Planning, replacing the former Development Planning Committee that had been established in terms of Article 17B of the Development Planning Act. This change was a result of the entry into force of the Environment and Development Planning Act. Article 34 of the said Act states that:

‘34. (1) There shall be a Standing Committee on Environment and Development Planning which shall consist of five members appointed by the House, of whom three shall be members supporting the Government, one of whom shall be appointed as Chairman, and the other two shall be members from the Opposition.

(2) The Standing Committee shall:

(a) review any plan referred to the House of Representatives in terms of this Act. The Standing Committee shall also recommend to the House whether the plan should be approved, with or without amendments, or rejected;

(b) discuss any report referred to it by the Minister relating to the structure plan or any review thereof;

(c) discuss any other plan or policy referred to it by the Minister and report thereon to Parliament. Such a report may also include any dissenting opinion on the plan or policy. The Minister shall take cognisance of the said report and shall forward the report to the Authority for its consideration in the determination by the Authority of the plan or policy if the said plan or policy has not yet been approved by the Authority:

Provided that where the said Standing Committee fails to report to Parliament within the period by which it was requested to do so, the Minister may request the Authority to finalise the said plan or policy, and the Minister may also approve the said plan or policy as forwarded to him by the Authority.

33 (3) When notice of a motion, as is referred to in article 53(2), is given by the Minister, that motion shall be referred to the Standing Committee of the House, and the said Standing Committee shall discuss the said motion and report thereon to the House.

(4) Not later than one month after a notice as is referred to in subarticle (3) has been referred to the Standing Committee of the House, the said Standing Committee shall discuss the structure plan or any review thereof, and shall, not later than one month after the said plan or review thereof has been referred to it, report thereon to the House:

Provided that where the said Standing Committee fails to report to the House within the said period of one month, the House may pass on to discuss the motion.

(5) Where the report of the Standing Committee on a motion is unanimous, the House shall proceed to vote on such motion and on any amendments that are proposed in the said report without debate.’

Motion 196 provides for a Committee comprising three Members from Government, one of whom will be the Chairman, and two Members from the Opposition. In terms of the same Motion, the Committee was set up as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Jesmond Mugliett

Members Hon. Leo Brincat Hon. Charles Buhagiar Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia Hon. Philip Mifsud

Hon. Jesmond Mugliett

Neither the Development Planning Committee, nor the newly set up Committee on Environment and Development Planning, met in 2010.

34

FEAC meeting with Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs in April

Hearing with the Social Affairs Committee organised by the Anti Poverty Forum (Malta) in April

Speaker Michael Frendo and Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, meet delegation from the Senate of Thailand led by Mr Nikom Wairatpanij, First Vice President of the Senate, and a number of chairmen of committees in the Senate of Thailand in July

35

3. SELECT COMMITTEES

Standing Order 121 states that:

‘The House may appoint a Select Committee of its Members for the purpose of investigating any subject. It shall be competent for the Speaker to be appointed a Member of any Select Committee of the House.’

3.1 SELECT COMMITTEE ON STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY

The Select Committee on Strengthening Democracy was set up in terms of Standing Order 121, by way of Motion 47 moved by the Prime Minister, seconded by Hon. Angelo Farrugia, on 16 July 2008 and approved unanimously by the House.

The resolution established the main themes to be considered by the Committee:

. strengthening of Parliament . strengthening transparency and accountability, including public financing of political parties, the Commission against Corruption, the Office of the Ombudsman, conflicts of interest of the Members of Parliament, Parliamentary Secretaries and Ministers . public broadcasting in Malta, including the regulation of TV stations pertaining to the political parties . strengthening the Constitution in order to improve the electoral process.

The Members of the Committee are as follows:

Chairperson Speaker of the House of Representatives

Substitute Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

Government Members Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Leader of the House Hon. Austin Gatt, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

Substitutes Hon. Charlò Bonnici Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami Hon. Michael Frendo

Opposition Members Hon. Angelo Farrugia Hon. Charles Mangion Hon. Karmenu Vella

Substitutes Hon. Evarist Bartolo Hon. Michael Falzon Hon. George Vella

37 The Committee did not meet in 2010. On 7 May the Leader of the Opposition issued a statement stating that following events that took place in the House in the beginning of May, the Opposition parliamentary group agreed to withdraw its participation from the Select Committee.

3.2 SELECT COMMITTEE ON MEDICALLY ASSISTED PROCREATION

On 14 December 2009 the House approved Motion 113 moved by Hon. Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, calling for the setting up of a Select Committee of the House tasked with examining the practice of medically assisted procreation in Malta, particularly in the light of a lack of a relevant regulatory structure.

Chairperson Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia

Members Hon. Francis Agius Hon. Michael Farrugia

Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia

The Select Committee started its work early in 2010. Its first task was to call for contributions from the public in general, as well as specifically from the experts who had participated in the parliamentary discussion on the use of biotechnology in Malta within the Social Affairs Committee in 2005.

In total, the Committee met 11 times in 2010. In a number of meetings the Members of the Committee had the opportunity to discuss with both local and foreign professionals from the field of assisted procreation. On the basis of these discussions, the Committee reached unanimous agreement on the three matters defined in Motion 113:

- which couples should be eligible for medically assisted procreation services - freezing of embryos; - third party donation of gametes.

In October, the Chairman and the Members of the Select Committee gave a press conference during which the report of the Committee was presented.

Details of the meeting of the Select Committee on medically assisted procreation in 2010 are as follows:

3 February Discussion on the procedure to be adopted by the Select Committee on medically assisted procreation established by Motion 113

9 February Discussion on the first item indicated in Motion 113: couples entitled to the services of medically assisted procreation

38 3 March Discussion on the second item indicated in Motion 113: freezing of embryos

17 March Presentation by Prof. Mark Brincat, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at the Mater Dei Hospital, and discussion on the third item indicated in Motion 113: third-party donation of gametes

23 March Presentation by Dr Paul Soler, Head of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Mater Dei Hospital, regarding complications arising from assisted procreation in newborns

6 April Presentation by Dr Luca Gianaroli, Chairman of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology

26 April Reply from the Office of the Attorney General to queries raised by the Select Committee and meeting with Mrs Simone Attard, Family Therapy Counsellor

18 May Communication with the Justice Unit at the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and with the Office of the Attorney General; Discussion on the laws on medically assisted procreation of foreign countries; and Decision of the Committee on pending issues

8 June Decision of the Committee on pending issues (Cont.)

26 June Decision of the Committee on pending issues (Cont.)

5 July Decision of the Committee on pending issues (Cont.).

3.3 SELECT COMMITTEE ON RE-CODIFICATION AND CONSOLIDATION OF LAWS

Also on 14 December 2009, the House approved a motion moved by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Motion 114, calling for the setting up of a Select Committee of the House tasked with the simplification of Maltese laws by way of re- codification and consolidation. This Committee, chaired by Hon. Franco Debono and composed of Hon. José Herrera and Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech, met 11 times.

Chairperson Hon. Franco Debono

Members Hon. José Herrera Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

Hon. Franco Debono

39 During these meetings the Members of the Committee discussed the advantages and disadvantages of developing a Maltese Administrative Code. Prof. Kevin Aquilina, Prof. Ian Refalo, Dr Marse-Ann Farrugia, Dr Peter Grech, Dr Godwin Grima and Dr Vanni Bruno, all experts on the Administrative Code, discussed the viability of such an exercise.

The Committee is to report to the House on its progress every six months, and regularly produce special reports regarding the various aspects of its mandate.

Details of the meeting of the Select Committee on the re-codification and consolidation of laws in 2010 are as follows:

10 March Discussion on the procedure to be adopted by the Select Committee on the Re-codification of Laws established by Motion 114

29 March Procedure on the re-codification of the Laws of Malta Discussion with Dr Vanni Bruno from the Justice Unit and Professor Kevin Aquilina, Associate Professor and Head of Department of Media, Communications and Technology Law at the Faculty of Laws of the University of Malta

7 April Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code Code of Police Laws Discussion with Prof Kevin Aquilina, Dr Peter Grech and Dr Vanni Bruno

13 April Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.) Discussion with Prof Kevin Aquilina, Prof Ian Refalo, Dr Marse-Ann Farrugia and Dr Peter Grech

21 April Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.) Discussion with Prof Kevin Aquilina, Prof Ian Refalo, Dr Marse-Ann Farrugia, Dr Peter Grech and Dr Godwin Grima

28 April Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.) Discussion with Prof Kevin Aquilina 2 June Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.) Discussion with Dr Austin Bencini and Prof Kevin Aquilina

9 June Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.) Discussion with Prof Kevin Aquilina.

40 16 June Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.) Discussion with Prof Kevin Aquilina.

23 June Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.)

7 July Code of Police Laws Advantages and disadvantages of establishing an Administrative Code (Cont.)

3.4 SELECT COMMITTEE TASKED WITH ESTABLISHING THE FACTS ABOUT THE ISSUE OF BLACK DUST PRECIPITATION OVER THE SOUTHERN LOCALITIES OF MALTA

Towards the end of the year, the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, presented to Parliament a Motion - Motion 176 - on the setting up a Select Committee tasked with establishing the facts relating to the issue of black dust precipitation over the southern localities of Malta.

This Motion established that the Committee be chaired by the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker in his absence, and composed of two Members from each side of the House.

Chairperson Hon. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members Hon. Leo Brincat Hon. Franco Debono Hon. Joe Mizzi Hon. Jesmond Mugliett

Hon. Michael Frendo

During the debate on the setting up of this Committee, the House agreed that Hon. Leo Brincat, Hon. Franco Debono, Hon. Joe Mizzi and Hon. Jesmond Mugliett would serve on this Committee.

The Committee is expected to meet during 2011.

41

Speaker Michael Frendo addressing the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Limassol, Cyprus, in June

Speaker Michael Frendo visits Speaker of the Camera dei Deputati, Hon. Gianfranco Fini at Montecitorio, Rome, in September

Speaker Michael Frendo attends the Fifth Conference of the Presidents of European Small States Parliaments in Luxembourg in October

42

Speaker Michael Frendo at the opening of the meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development of the PACE in May

Speaker Michael Frendo meets Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, in September

Speaker Michael Frendo and Members from both sides of the House meet with Vice President and Secretary General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Mr Li Jianguo, who led a delegation to Malta in September

43

4. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

An important aspect of the work of the House of Representatives is establishing contacts with foreign parliamentarians.

This aim is reached, other than by receiving foreign delegations and visitors to the Parliament, when the Speaker and the Members of Parliament participate in inter- parliamentary meetings organised by various parliaments or international organisations.

4.1 OUTGOING VISITS AND PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL FORA BY MR SPEAKER

4.1.1 Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth hosted by the Indian Parliament

Between 4 and 8 January, Speaker Louis Galea participated in the 20th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, hosted by the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha. The Conference, which brings together Speakers from 37 Commonwealth countries, is convened every two years and aims to promote the development of democracy and parliamentary institutions as well as the values of impartiality and fairness that underpins the role of the Speaker. During this conference, the discussions focused on the role of the Speaker as a mediator, the use of technology in the work of parliaments and the Speaker’s role in the administration of parliament.

4.1.2 EU Speakers’ Conference

Hon. Michael Frendo’s first visit abroad shortly after being appointed Speaker was to participate in the EU Speakers’ Conference in Stockholm held between 13 and 15 May. This Conference is hosted by the Member State that held the EU Presidency in the second half of the preceding year. The main topics discussed during this meeting were: the Lisbon Treaty and Inter-parliamentary Cooperation; the political dialogue between the European Commission and national parliaments; fora for inter-parliamentary cooperation, particularly in the light of the scrutiny of the Common Security and Defence Policy and the monitoring of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice; challenges and expectations for future inter- parliamentary cooperation; the challenges for parliaments resulting from new technologies and communication; the preparations for the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in July in Geneva; and the consequences of the Financial Crisis for Parliamentary Budgets.

4.1.3 European Conference of Presidents of Parliament

Speaker Michael Frendo took part in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament in Limassol, Cyprus between 10 and 12 June. The Conference brings together Speakers and Presidents of the Parliaments of the Member States of the Council of Europe as well as parliaments enjoying observer status with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and international parliamentary assemblies. The Conference takes place every two years and is hosted alternately in Strasbourg or in the capital of a Council of Europe Member State. The themes of this year’s Conference concerned the rights and

45 responsibilities of the Opposition in a Parliament; and National Parliaments and International Human Rights law: implementation of the principle of non-discrimination.

4.1.4 Visit to the Italian Camera dei Deputati and to the Sicilian Regional Assembly

On 15 September 2010, Hon. Michael Frendo visited the President of the Camera dei Deputati, Hon. Gianfranco Fini, at Montecitorio, the Italian Parliament. This visit was the first bilateral visit to an EU Member State parliament since Hon. Frendo’s election to the Office of Speaker.

During this visit, the Speakers of the two Parliaments discussed, amongst others, the setting up of a cooperation agreement between the two parliaments, in light of the new roles and responsibilities of national parliaments arising from the provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon. Both sides also agreed on reciprocal participation in the celebrations planned for 2011 – in Malta, the 90 years from the establishment of the setting up of the first Legislative Assembly in 1921 and in Italy, the 150 years from the unification of Italy.

During this bilateral meeting, Mr Speaker was accompanied by a delegation of senior parliamentary officials who had meetings with various officials of the Camera dei Deputati to discuss in more detail possible areas of cooperation between the two parliaments.

As part of the visit to the Italian Parliament, Mr Speaker also visited the Sicilian Regional Assembly in Palermo. Here, Hon. Frendo met with Hon. Francesco Cascio, President of the Sicilian Parliament. The possibility of drawing up a Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides was discussed.

4.1.5 Visit to Libya

On 22-23 September, Hon. Michael Frendo visited Libya to meet Mr Mohammed Al Zwei, Secretary to the General People’s Congress, and Mr Suleiman Shahoumi, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Congress. During this bilateral visit Hon. Frendo agreed to give support to the request by the Libyan General People’s Congress for a 5+5 Meeting to be held in Morocco in the margins of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean’s Fifth General Assembly. The Speaker also extended an invitation for Mr Zwei to visit Malta so as to maintain the dialogue between the Maltese Parliament and Libya’s General People’s Congress.

4.1.6 Fifth Conference of the Presidents of European Small States Parliaments

Between 17 and 20 October, Speaker Michael Frendo attended the Fifth Conference of the Presidents of European Small States Parliaments that was held in Luxembourg. This is the fifth conference being organised by one of the eight Member States. The themes discussed during this session concerned the realities faced by European small states including the financial situation, energy policy and the coordination of emergency services. Malta is expected to host the sixth conference in 2011.

46 4.1.7 Fifth General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

Between 28 and 30 October, Speaker Michael Frendo led the delegation of the Maltese Parliament to the Fifth General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) in Rabat, Morocco. The main item on the agenda of the meeting was the presentation of the work of the three Standing Committees of the PAM. The Assembly adopted a report presented by Hon. George Vella, Member of the Maltese delegation to the PAM, on behalf of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Middle East of the 1st Standing Committee, as well as a report on the Dialogue of Cultures and Religions prepared by Hon. Justyne Caruana, also a Member of the Maltese delegation to the PAM on the 3rd Standing Committee.

During this visit Mr Speaker was accompanied by Hon. Jesmond Mugliett, leader of the PAM delegation, and Hon. George Vella, member of the same delegation.

4.1.8 EU-Africa Parliamentary Summit

On 27 November, Speaker Michael Frendo headed a parliamentary delegation composed of the Hon. David Agius and the Hon. George Vella to the EU-Africa Parliamentary Summit in Tripoli that brought together delegations from the European Parliament and the Pan- African Parliament. The Maltese Parliament was the only national parliament invited by the Libyan authorities to attend as observers at this meeting. The Parliamentary Pre-Summit, which preceded the EU-Africa Summit, discussed a range of issues, amongst them, peace and security, energy, illegal immigration, human rights, good governance, food security, development aid and migration, and by way of conclusion issued a declaration for the consideration of the Heads of State and Government in the drawing up of the EU-Africa Action Plan for 2011-13.

4.1.9 International Conference on ‘The Role of Diplomacy in the Development of International Human Cooperation’

On 16-17 December, Speaker Frendo attended the International Conference on ‘The Role of Diplomacy in the Development of International Human Cooperation’ in Moscow. The international conference was organised by the Executive Office of the President of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation.

The debates in the plenary sessions concerned international human cooperation as a basis of inter-civilisational communication as well as the experience, traditions and new opportunities of civil dialogue in a globalisation era. A debate on a ‘World without Nazism – Global Challenge for the Entire Humanity’ was held at the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russia Federation. A round-table discussion on ‘Art and public diplomacy’ was held at the House of the Russians Living Abroad.

47 4.1.10 Third World Conference of Speakers of Parliament

Between 19 and 21 July, Hon. Ċensu Galea, Deputy Speaker, participated in the Third World Conference of Speakers of Parliament organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva. This Conference is convened every five years and brings together parliamentary presidents of IPU member countries and other representatives. The 2010 Conference was organised as a global summit focusing on democracy, the role of legislative institutions and their relationship with the United Nations. The broad theme for the 2010 Conference was ‘Parliaments in a world of crisis: securing global democratic accountability for the common good’.

4.2 OUTGOING VISITS OF MALTESE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATIONS

4.2.1 Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs

February On 4-5 February Hon. George Vella attended the meeting of the COSAC Chairpersons in Madrid

On 25-26 February Hon. Michael Frendo, Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee took part in the Conference of Foreign Affairs Committees Chairs in Madrid

May Between 30 May and 1 June Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech, Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, and Hon. Luciano Busuttil represented the Maltese Parliament in the XLIII COSAC Meeting in Madrid

July On 4-5 July Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech, Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, participated in the meeting of the COSAC Chairpersons in Brussels

October On 18-19 October Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech, Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, attended the Conference of Foreign Affairs Committees Chairs in Brussels

Between 24 and 26 October Hon. Francis Agius and Hon. Luciano Busuttil took part in the XLIV COSAC Meeting in Brussels.

4.2.2 European Parliament and European Union Presidency Meetings

Joint Parliamentary Meetings are organised and co-chaired by the President of the European Parliament (EP) and the President of the national parliament of the country holding the rotating EU Presidency. Particular emphasis and priority is given to policy issues where the EU at present does not legislate, but nevertheless takes important decisions. The common foreign, defence and security policy, the macro-economic and monetary policy coordination and areas of freedom, security and justice and climate change, cover such issues.

The aim of the Joint Parliamentary Meetings is not to arrive at common positions between the representatives of national parliaments and the EP, but to establish better parliamentary

48 oversight and control with intergovernmental and non-legislative decisions taken at the EU level. They also seek a parliamentary input for the European Council meetings.

Joint Committee Meetings are proposed on the initiative of individual parliamentary committees of the EP who invite colleagues from their corresponding committees in national parliaments. These meetings are a continuation of existing practice and mainly cover the policy areas where the EU has legislative powers using the ordinary legislative procedure. The aim of these meetings is to promote exchange of views between European and national parliamentarians with a view to influencing the legislative decisions of the European Parliament.

During the course of the year under review, Maltese Members of Parliament participated in the following European Parliament and European Union Presidency meetings:

February On 22-23 February Hon. Charlò Bonnici and Hon. Gavin Gulia attended a Hearing with National Parliaments on the Consumer Rights Directive in Brussels

March On 16-17 March Hon. Angelo Farrugia took part in a Debate with National Parliaments organised by the European Parliament on ‘The Post-Crisis Strategy for Growth and Jobs and Modernisation of the Global Financial Architecture’ in Brussels

On 25 March Hon. Evarist Bartolo and Hon. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando participated in a Meeting of Chairs of Science and Innovation Committees in Madrid

April On 15 April Hon. Charles Mangion took part in a Meeting of the Chairs of Economy and Finance Committees in Madrid

On 26 April Hon. David Agius and Hon. Michael Falzon participated in a Meeting of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs with National Parliaments in Brussels

On 27 April Hon. David Agius and Hon. Silvio Parnis participated in an Inter-parliamentary meeting of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection with National Parliaments in Brussels

May On 20 May Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami and Hon. José Herrera participated in a Meeting of Chairs of Justice and Home Affairs Committees of EU National Parliaments and the European Parliament in Madrid

June On 7-8 June Hon. Joe Mizzi took part in a Joint Parliamentary Meeting organised by the European Parliament ‘Towards a European Energy Community for Europe’ in Brussels

On 24 June Hon. Angelo Farrugia and Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia participated in a Meeting of Chairs of Labour and Migration Committees of EU National Parliaments and the European Parliament in Madrid

49 July On 12 July Hon. Stefan Buontempo and Hon. Ċensu Galea attended the 2nd REGI Inter-parliamentary Committee Meeting with National Parliaments in Brussels

September On 27 September Hon. Owen Bonnici took part in a Meeting on the European External Action Service (EEAS) in Lisbon On 28 September Hon. Franco Debono and Hon. Michael Falzon attended an Inter-parliamentary meeting organised by the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Sub-Committee on Security and Defence of the European Parliament in Brussels

On 30 September Hon. Franco Debono and Hon. Angelo Farrugia took part in an Inter-parliamentary meeting organised by the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (AFCO) of the European Parliament in Brussels

October On 3-4 October Hon. Joseph Falzon and Hon. Leo Brincat participated in the Meeting of the Chairpersons of the Environment Committees held in Brussels

On 4-5 October Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami and Hon. José Herrera participated in an Inter-parliamentary Meeting with National Parliaments organised by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament (LIBE) in Brussels

On 17-18 October Hon. Evarist Bartolo and Hon. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando participated in a Meeting of Presidents of Scientific Research and Innovation Committees in Brussels

On 26 October Hon. Francis Agius participated in an Inter-parliamentary Meeting with national parliaments organised by the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament in Brussels

On 27 October Hon. Gavin Gulia took part in an Inter-parliamentary Meeting with national parliaments organised by the Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament in Brussels

November On 21-22 November Hon. Frederick Azzopardi participated in the Meeting of the Chairpersons of the Equal Opportunities Committees in Brussels

On 28-29 November Hon. Charles Buhagiar and Hon. Philip Mifsud took part in the Conference of the Infrastructure Committee Chairs in Brussels

On 7-8 December Hon. Michael Farrugia and Hon. Stephen Spiteri attended the Conference of the Chairpersons of the Social Affairs and Public Health Committees in Brussels.

50 4.2.3 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) brings together democratically elected Members of Parliament from the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe. Its powers extend only to the ability to investigate, recommend and advise, nevertheless, its recommendations on issues such as human rights have significant weight in the European political context. The European institutions often refer to the work of the PACE, especially in the fields of human rights, legal cooperation and cultural cooperation. The Assembly has 10 permanent committees that meet throughout the year to prepare reports and projects for resolutions in their respective fields of expertise.

The Assembly sets its own agenda; it discusses European and international events and examines current subjects which interest the populations of the countries of Europe covering issues related to human rights, democracy, protection of minorities and the rule of law.

The Maltese delegation to the PACE is composed as follows:

Members Hon. Francis Agius, Leader of the delegation Hon. Robert Arrigo Hon. Joe Debono Grech

Substitute Members Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca Hon. Joseph Falzon Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami

Hon. Francis Agius

In 2010 the members of the delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe participated actively in both the plenary sessions of the Assembly as well as in the various committees of which they are Members.

The following information lists the Maltese delegation’s participation in both the Assembly plenary sessions and Committee meetings where Members had the opportunity to participate in discussions on a number of texts which later were adopted or otherwise, by the Assembly:

January On 11 January Hon. Francis Agius attended the meeting of the Committee on Rules of Procedure, Immunities and Institutional Affairs in Paris

On 21-22 January Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca attended the meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development in London

Between 24 and 27 January Hon. Francis Agius, Hon. Robert Arrigo, Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Hon. Joe Debono Grech and Hon. Joseph Falzon took part in the 1st Part Session of the 2010 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg

51 March On 5 March Hon. Francis Agius took part in the meeting of the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee in Florence

On 17 March Hon. Joe Debono Grech participated in the meeting of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe in Paris

April On 7 April Hon. Joseph Falzon took part in the meeting of the Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs in Paris Between 26 and 30 April Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Hon. Joseph Falzon and Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami attended the 2nd Part Session of the 2010 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg

May On 21 May Hon. Francis Agius attended the meeting of the Standing Committee in Skopje

On 28 May Hon. Joseph Falzon took part in the meeting of the Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs in Paris

June On 4 June Hon. Francis Agius took part in the meeting of the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee in Paris

On 18 June Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca participated in the meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development in Paris

Between 21 and 25 June Hon. Francis Agius, Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Hon. Joseph Falzon and Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami attended the 3rd Part Session of the 2010 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg

September On 6 September Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca attended the meeting of the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee in Paris

On 10 September Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca took part in the meeting of the Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Paris

On 17 September Hon. Joseph Falzon participated in the meeting of the Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs in Paris

October Between 4 and 8 October Hon. Francis Agius, Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Hon. Joe Debono Grech and Hon. Joseph Falzon participated in the 4th Part Session of the 2010 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg

November Between 5 and 8 November Hon. Joe Debono Grech formed part of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe delegation observing the elections in Azerbaijan

52 On 14 November Hon. Joe Debono Grech participated in the Monitoring Committee in Paris

On 18 November Hon. Joe Debono Grech attended the meeting of the Political Affairs Committee in Paris

On 29 November Hon. Francis Agius attended the High Level Launching Event of the Council of Europe Campaign to stop sexual violence against children in Rome On 29 November Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca took part in the meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development in Paris

December On 2-3 December Hon. Francis Agius participated in the Political Affairs Sub-Committee on External Relations of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in New York on the occasion of the IPU Parliamentary Hearing taking place during the 65th United Nations General Assembly

On 2-3 December Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca attended the meeting of the Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men in Paris

On 14-15 December Hon. Joe Debono Grech attended the meeting of the Political Affairs Committee in Paris

On 16 December Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca took part in the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights in Paris.

The following are some highlights of the contributions made by the Maltese delegation during the plenary sessions of 2010.

All six Members of the Maltese Delegation to the PACE endorsed a declaration initiated by Mr Michael Aastrup Jensen, Chairman of the Danish Delegation, whereby they dissociated themselves from a ruling delivered by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in respect of crucifixes placed in classrooms in Italy. Amongst other considerations, the declaration expressed concern about how the ruling could affect the rights of countries with a state religion to display religious symbols in public areas in general.

Hon Joseph Falzon was elected Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Sustainable Development. Hon Falzon’s participation in the Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs also included his presenting a report and a preliminary draft resolution entitled “Preserving the environment in the Mediterranean”. The Hon Member stressed that to preserve the environment in the Mediterranean, action was needed both at local and international level. He also remarked that political pressure was needed in order to obtain results. In the preparation of his report, Hon Falzon had the opportunity to work with the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM).

On 28 and 29 May, following an initiative by Hon Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and a formal invitation to this effect by Hon Francis Agius, Leader of the delegation, Malta hosted the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development and the Sub-Committee on Tourism and Development. Details on both these meetings are found under section 4.3.2 of this report.

53 During the summer session the Members of the Maltese delegation met with a group of students from the NSTF Mini European Assembly who were on a study visit in Strasbourg. Following brief presentations by Hon Agius, Hon Fenech Adami and Hon Falzon on the Council’s work in ensuring respect for its core values: human rights, democracy and the rule of law, there followed a discussion on the relevance of the Institution in today’s political scenario. Reference was made to the relatively large number of States which the Council of Europe represents and also to the realpolitik approach which the Council adopts when addressing certain democratic issues in its 47 Member States. As a case in point, note was taken of the work the Council of Europe was carrying out in Azerbaijan in preparation for the country’s forthcoming elections with respect to freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the revisions of the country’s electoral legislation, an area in which Hon Joe Debono Grech played an active part following his appointment as co-rapporteur1 by the Monitoring Committee.

Also during the summer session, Hon Joe Debono Grech had the opportunity to defend the position taken by the PACE on Azerbaijan, in the Assembly. In line with the conclusions of a report prepared by himself and Hon Andres Herkel who was the other co-rapporteur nominated by the EPP/CD group, the Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to co-operate with the Venice Commission in order to continue with the revision of the electoral code and in this context to pass on a clear message at the highest political level, that electoral fraud will not be tolerated. The resolution also urged all political parties to take part in the forthcoming elections. With regard to the media situation, the Assembly condemned the arrests and physical threats of journalists and called on the authorities to release Eynulla Fatullayev as ordered by the ECHR.

Another highlight from the summer session concerned the election of Chief Justice Vincent Anthony Degaetano as judge to the European Court of Human Rights for a term of nine years. Judges are elected by PACE from a list of three candidates nominated by each State which has ratified the European Convention on Human Rights. The ECHR operates on a permanent basis and is made up of full-time professional judges resident in Strasbourg. The number of judges is equal to that of the High Contracting Parties.

The last PACE session for the year 2010 proved to be the one that involved most actively the Malta delegation. At the end of a rather lively debate on a report presented by the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee entitled “Women’s access to lawful medical care: the problem of unregulated use of conscientious objection”, the Assembly emphasized the need to affirm the right of conscientious objection in lawful medical care. Conscientious objection in the health care field occurs when health professionals, such as doctors or nurses, refuse to provide certain services based on religious, moral or philosophical objections. In her memorandum, rapporteur Christine McCafferty (UK, SOC) pointed out that these services included certain family planning services and reproductive technologies, safe abortion services where legal, and pain-relief by life-shortening means for terminally ill patients.

1 Hon Joe Debono Grech was appointed co-rapporteur on the situation in Azerbaijan by the Monitoring Committee of the PACE on 18 November 2009. He subsequently participated in a mission to Azerbaijan on 8-12 February 2010.

54 The original text presented by the Committee was substantially amended, with the final adopted resolution stating that:

“no person and no hospital or institution shall be coerced, held liable or discriminated against in any manner because of a refusal to perform, accommodate, assist or submit to an abortion …”.

Hon Francis Agius, Hon Joe Debono Grech and Hon Joseph Falzon formed part of, at times, a slight majority that contributed to extensively amending both the resolution and the recommendation prepared by the Committee rapporteur. The objections made to the McCafferty report from the Maltese side were to retain the right of conscientious objection to participation in certain medical procedures and the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals, while at the same time ensuring that patients are not prevented from receiving the necessary medical care appropriate to their need in a timely manner. A total of 89 amendments were presented, 11 of which were tabled by Hon Luca Volonte, President of the EPP Group, Hon Agius, Hon Falzon and other members.

The amended resolution was adopted with 56 votes in favour, 51 against and 4 abstentions. The relative recommendation was not adopted as it did not gain the required two thirds majority.

The resolution was also discussed earlier in the week by the Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men. The Committee members were called upon to approve an opinion report prepared by rapporteur Ingrida Circene (Latvia, EPP/CD) which supported the McCafferty resolution and recommendation. Malta, represented in this Committee by Hon Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, formed part of the minority - three countries - that voted against the opinion report.

Hon Francis Agius participated in the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee which, in view of the large number of amendments tabled for the McCafferty report held extended meetings.

During this session, Hon Agius was elected Vice Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on Children’s Rights. Hon Agius subsequently attended a meeting of the Council of Europe held in Rome in November 2010 which launched a European campaign to stop sexual violence against children, officially known as the Lanzarote Convention on the protection of children against sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.

4.2.4 Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

In the Second Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean (CSCM) within the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Malta in 1995, the Maltese delegation proposed the establishment of an Association of Mediterranean States open to all Mediterranean coastal countries and those whose interests are directly linked to the Mediterranean. Following further work within the IPU by Maltese delegations, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) was eventually set up in Nafplion, Greece, in February 2005. Malta holds the seat of the Secretariat of the Assembly.

55 The aim of the Parliamentary Assembly is to provide the Mediterranean with a unique parliamentary forum of its own and to bring together, on an equal footing, the national parliaments on the Mediterranean littoral.

By addressing issues of common concern to foster and enhance further confidence between Member States to ensure regional security and stability and promote peace, the Assembly works to develop cooperation among its Members in its fields of action by promoting political dialogue and understanding between parliaments concerned.

The detailed work of the Assembly is carried out by three Standing Committees which draw up opinions and recommendations. The committees of the PAM are:  Committee on Political and Security Related Cooperation  Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation  Committee on Dialogue among Civilisations and Human Rights.

Furthermore, in early 2008, the Standing Committees of the Assembly set up a number of working groups under the form of Ad hoc Committees and Special Task Forces.

In December 2009 the PAM obtained Observer Status in the United Nations General Assembly. This means that the PAM has a further opportunity to keep the international community focused also on the regional dimension of the wider geopolitical strategies of world parliamentary diplomacy.

The Members forming part of the Maltese delegation to the PAM are:

Members Hon. Jesmond Mugliett, Leader of the delegation Hon. Justyne Caruana Hon. Franco Debono Hon. Louis Deguara Hon. George Vella

Substitute Members Hon. Stephen Spiteri Hon. Michael Falzon Hon. Jesmond Mugliett

April On 13 April Hon. Justyne Caruana took part in the meeting of the Special Task Forces operating under the 3rd Standing Committee on Dialogue among Civilizations and Human Rights in Ljubljana

Between 27 and 30 April Hon. Jesmond Mugliett and Hon. George Vella attended the meetings of the 1st and 2nd Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in Nice

June On 25-26 June Hon. George Vella participated in the meetings of the Standing Committees in Belgrade

October Between 28 and 30 October Hon. Michael Frendo, Hon. Jesmond Mugliett and Hon. George Vella attended the 5th Plenary Session of the PAM in Rabat, Morocco.

56 4.2.5 Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly

The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA), established in 2003, is the most recent institution of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean. EMPA aims at providing a substantial parliamentary input towards the enhancement of political dialogue and thereby the achievement of the goals set by the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.

The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly brings together parliamentarians appointed by the national parliaments of the EU Member States, the national parliaments of the Mediterranean partners and from the European Parliament. EMPA:

 provides parliamentary impetus, input and support for the consolidation and development of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership  expresses its views on all issues relating to the Partnership, including the implementation of the association agreements  adopts resolutions or recommendations, which are not legally binding, addressed to the Euro-Mediterranean Conference.

The five committees of EMPA are the Committee on Political Affairs, Security, and Human Rights, the Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, Social Affairs, and Education, the Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between Civil Societies, and Culture, the Committee on Women's Rights in Euromed countries and the Committee on Energy, Environment, and Water.

The members of the parliamentary delegation to EMPA are:

Members Hon. Ċensu Galea, Leader of the delegation Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia Hon. George Vella

Substitute Members Hon. Leo Brincat Hon. Edwin Vassallo Hon. Ninu Zammit

Hon. Ċensu Galea

February On 22 February Hon. Ċensu Galea attended the meeting of the Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between Civil Societies, and Culture in Lisbon

March Between 12 and 14 March Hon. Ċensu Galea and Hon. George Vella participated in the Plenary Session of EMPA in Jordan

June On 28-29 June Hon. Leo Brincat took part in the fourth meeting of the Committee on Energy, Environment and Water in Innsbruck

September On 30 September Hon. George Vella attended the meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights in Brussels

57 On 30 September Hon. Ċensu Galea participated in the meeting of the Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between Civil Societies, and Culture in Brussels

November On 29-30 November Hon. Leo Brincat took part in the fifth meeting of the Committee on Energy, Environment and Water held in Vienna.

4.2.6 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an association of Commonwealth parliamentarians united in their interests, respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms, and by the pursuit of the positive ideals of parliamentary democracy. The CPA works in the fields of good governance, of democracy and elections, and of human rights, while special attention is also paid to gender sensitising (thus the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians) and to promoting awareness of parliamentary democracy among the youth of the Commonwealth. It was founded in 1911 as the Empire Parliamentary Association.

The mission of the CPA is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance. It seeks to build an informed parliamentary community able to deepen the democratic commitment of the Commonwealth and to further cooperation among its parliaments.

Members of the Maltese House of Representatives took part in the following CPA gatherings in 2010:

January Between 31 January and 6 February Hon. David Agius and Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis participated in the CPA International Parliamentary Conference on Peacebuilding: Tackling State Fragility, which was held in London

July Hon. Leo Brincat and Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia took part in the CPA International Parliamentary Conference on Climate Change between 12 and 16 July in London

September Between 10 and 19 September Hon. David Agius, Hon. Jean Pierre Farrugia and Hon. Joe Mizzi attended the 56th CPA Annual Conference and the 30th CPA Small Branches Conference in Kenya.

4.2.7 Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organisation established as a forum for political multilateral negotiations. The Maltese Parliament, together with the parliaments of 142 other countries, is a member of the IPU. The IPU has a permanent observer status at the United Nations.

One of the organs of the IPU is the Assembly which meets twice a year. The Assembly is composed of parliamentarians designated as delegates by the parliaments of the countries in the Union. It is assisted in its work by a number of Standing Committees which normally prepare reports and draft resolutions for the Assembly.

58 The Executive Committee of the National Group comprises:

President Speaker of the House of Representatives

Vice Presidents Prime Minister Leader of the Opposition

Hon. Michael Frendo

The Maltese delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union is made up of:

Members Hon. Michael Gonzi Hon. George Vella

Substitute Members Hon. Philip Mifsud Hon. Joe Mizzi

Members of the Maltese delegation to the IPU attended the two annual Assembly meetings together with a number of other meetings organised during the year under review:

March Between 27 March and 1 April Hon. Michael Gonzi and Hon. Joe Mizzi attended the 122nd Assembly and related meetings of the Inter- Parliamentary Union in Bangkok

July Between 19 and 21 July Hon. Ċensu Galea participated in the 3rd World Conference of Speakers of Parliament organised by the IPU in Geneva

October Between 4 and 6 October Hon. Philip Mifsud and Hon. Joe Mizzi participated in the 123rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva

December On 8-9 December Hon. Owen Bonnici and Hon. Karl Gouder took part in the Regional Seminar for the 12+ Group organised by the IPU ‘Youth Participation in Democracy’ held in London. This meeting was the first following the adoption of a resolution by the IPU in April 2010 entitled ‘Youth participation in the democratic process’. The resolution aimed to highlight the importance of giving young people a political voice and to promote their knowledge and participation in democratic political activities.

4.2.8 Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Originally established in 1990 with 320 members, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) comprises parliamentarians from 56 participating states. The aim of the OSCE PA is to facilitate inter- parliamentary dialogue which is an important aspect of the overall effort to meet the challenges of democracy throughout the OSCE area. It offers a forum for political

59 negotiations and decision-making in the fields of early-warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation, and puts the political will of its participating states into practice through its unique network of field missions.

The Maltese House of Representatives is represented in the OSCE PA as follows:

Members Hon. Louis Deguara, Leader of the delegation Hon. Frederick Azzopardi Hon. Angelo Farrugia

Members of the Maltese delegation participated in the following meetings:

February On 18-19 February Hon. Louis Deguara, Hon. Angelo Farrugia and Hon. Frederick Azzopardi participated in the Winter Meetings of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna

July Between 6 and 10 July Hon. Louis Deguara, Hon. Frederick Azzopardi and Hon. Angelo Farrugia attended the 19th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Oslo

October Between 8 and 10 October Hon. Frederick Azzopardi and Hon. Angelo Farrugia attended the Fall Meetings of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Palermo.

4.2.9 Others

January On 26-27 January a delegation of Members of Parliament led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Carmelo Abela and comprising Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami, Hon. Francis Agius, Hon. Owen Bonnici, Hon. Leo Brincat, Hon. Michael Falzon and Hon. Ninu Zammit were invited to attend the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, held in Krakow, Poland. The official ceremony included a special symposium on remembering the Holocaust and fighting anti-Semitism, the post-Holocaust world and promoting tolerance and dialogue for a peaceful future. Hon. Abela had the opportunity to address the symposium on remembering the Holocaust and fighting anti-Semitism

February Between 20 and 22 February Hon. Justyne Caruana participated in the Conference on Women Parliamentarians as active agents of change organised by the National Council for Women, which was held in Cairo

April On 16-17 April Hon. Joe Mizzi took part in the EUFORES 10th Inter- parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy in Madrid September Between 12 and 14 September Hon. Charlò Bonnici took part in the 8th Summer Defence Conference that was held in Marseille

November Between 30 November and 2 December Hon. Joseph Falzon took part in the 59th Session of the European Security and Defence Assembly of the Western European Union in Paris.

60 4.3 INCOMING VISITS AND CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY THE MALTESE PARLIAMENT

4.3.1 Visit by Gianfranco Fini, President of the Italian Camera dei Deputati

On 20 January the President of the Camera dei Deputati Gianfranco Fini visited the Maltese Parliament on the invitation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Louis Galea. During this visit, Speaker Fini held meetings with the Speaker of the Maltese Parliament, the parliamentary Foreign and European Affairs Committee, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as the Leader of the Opposition. During his short visit, President Fini met the Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean at the PAM Secretariat at Palazzo Spinola in St. Julian’s.

4.3.2 Meeting of the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development and of the Sub- Committee on Tourism and Development of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe

On the invitation of the Maltese parliamentary delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Committee on Economic Affairs and Development of the PACE met in Malta on 28 May 2010. Hon. Robert Arrigo and Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca are the Maltese Parliamentary Representatives on this Committee. The session was opened by Hon. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Hon. Francis Agius, Head of the Maltese Delegation to the PACE.

The first item on the Committee’s agenda was ‘Malta’s economy: withstanding the global financial and economic crisis’. The delegates were addressed by the Hon. Tonio Fenech, Minister of Finance, the Economy and Investment; the Hon. Gavin Gulia, Opposition main spokesperson on economy and self employed; Prof Edward Scicluna, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament; Mr Michael Bonello, Governor of the Central Bank of Malta; and Mr Anthony J Tabone from the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry.

Another item discussed at the meeting was a Motion for a Resolution presented by the Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca entitled ‘The challenges faced by small national economies’. Dr Godwin Cordina and Dr Rose Marie Azzopardi from the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy of the University of Malta, made presentations to the Committee.

The Sub-Committee on Tourism and Development met on 29 May and on its agenda were the two items ‘The role of tourism in the Maltese economy’ and ‘Tourism for elderly people’. The first topic was opened by the Hon. Mario de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, whilst Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Opposition main spokesperson for tourism; Mr Josef Formosa Gauci, Chief Executive of the Malta Tourism Authority; and Mr Alfred Quintano from the Department of Tourism Studies at the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy of the University of Malta participated in the debate.

61 4.3.3 Visit by a Chinese Delegation

A delegation of Chinese Members of Parliament, officials of the National People’s Congress and government officials, led by Vice President and Secretary General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Li Jianguo, visited Malta on 23 September on the invitation extended earlier in the year by Speaker of the House Hon. Michael Frendo. During the visit, the delegation met with Mr Speaker and various Members from both sides of the House. The delegation also called on the President of Malta HE Dr. George Abela, the Prime Minister Hon. Lawrence Gonzi and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joseph Muscat

4.3.4 Visit by Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, made an official visit to the Maltese Parliament between 28 September and 1 October, on the invitation of Speaker Frendo.

During the visit, Dr Shija held discussions with Members of the Malta Branch chaired by Hon. Michael Frendo. Furthermore, the Secretary-General had meetings with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Michael Frendo; the Prime Minister, Hon. Lawrence Gonzi; the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Angelo Farrugia; the Minister for Gozo Hon. Giovanna Debono; the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici; and with the Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care, Hon. Mario Galea. Dr Shija also visited the Good Shepherd’s Home for Refugees in Balzan where he had the opportunity to meet and speak with the immigrants living in the residence.

In addition to the above meetings, Dr Shija also addressed the inauguration of the 38th Meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training held at the Tapestry Chamber in the Palace.

4.3.5 Visit by Lord John Roper, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the EU Committee of the House of Lords

On 8-9 November Lord John Roper, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the European Affairs Committee of the House of Lords, visited Malta on the invitation of the Maltese Parliament. For this visit, Lord Roper was accompanied by Mr Ed Lock, Permanent Representative of the House of Lords in the European Parliament. During the visit, Lord Roper held meetings with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with the Foreign and European Affairs Committee and with senior officials at the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs.

At the meeting with Mr Speaker, Lord Roper spoke of the need for better coordination between the various inter-parliamentary meetings in view of the strain on parliamentary resources, including administrative difficulties, that these exert. Reference was also made to the new roles and powers of national parliaments following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. During the meeting with the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, the Members discussed issues of mutual concern including the scrutiny of EU proposals in both Houses and the role of the national parliament representative in Brussels. At the meeting with senior officials at the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, the issue of illegal immigration was discussed.

62

Members of Parliament exchange New Year’s greetings with HE Dr George Abela, President of Malta

Speaker Michael Frendo delivering the speech of the Sette Giugno

Speaker Michael Frendo meeting visitors to the House of Representatives during Notte Bianca in September

63

Speaker Louis Galea meets the Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Constitution of the Houses of the Oireachtas, Mr Sean Ardagh in April

Speaker Michael Frendo meets HE Dr Werner Hoyer, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany in November

Speaker Michael Frendo visits the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Centre in August

64 5. ASSOCIATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

The Association of Former Members of Parliament of the House of Representatives held a number of meetings during the course of 2010. The Maltese Association has been a member of the European Association of Former Members of Parliament of the Member States of the Council of Europe since 2006.

The principal objective of the European Association is to promote the European ideal, based on individual and political liberties, the primacy of law and true democracy, and to contribute to the European construction. To this end, the association works to make the European institutions better known to the general public and organises meetings and colloquies aimed at examining the major problems of society.

During 2010 the Maltese members participated in a number of meetings of the European Association of Former Parliamentarians.

Dr Joseph Buttigieg and Mr Lino Debono took part in a meeting of the Bureau and General Assembly of Former Members of Parliament on 26-27 February in Paris.

On 28-29 May Dr Joseph Buttigieg and Mr Lino Debono attended a meeting of the European Association of Former Members of Parliament and also took part in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Belgian Association of Former Parliamentarians, Pro Lege, in Brussels.

Between 7 and 9 October Mr Lino Debono and Dr Vincent Moran participated in the meeting of the Bureau and Colloquy of the European Association of Former Members of Parliament in Kiev.

65

6. OTHER ACTIVITIES

6.1 INTERNATIONAL MEETING IN SUPPORT OF ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PEACE

The International Meeting in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace was held in Malta on 12- 13 February. This meeting was co-organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean and the United Nations. The purpose of this meeting was to provide a forum for the exchange of views on the current state of the peace process. The opening session was addressed by the Speaker of the House Dr Louis Galea, and the Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs of the United Nations, Mr Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.

6.2 MEDITERRANEAN DAY

The Maltese Parliament commemorated Mediterranean Day during the adjournment time of the parliamentary sitting of 17 March. Hon. Jesmond Mugliett, Head of the Maltese delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, and Hon. George Vella, Member of the same delegation, in their speeches referred to the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean which has its secretariat in Malta. The Assembly was described as a forum that in spite of not being adequately funded, works towards bringing together the countries on the Mediterranean littoral.

6.3 VISIT BY NEW POLICE RECRUITS

On 26 March a group of new police recruits from the Police Academy visited the Maltese Parliament. During their visit the new recruits were addressed by Speaker Dr Louis Galea.

This visit was part of a pre-service training course for prospective police constables in view of the fact that part of their course focuses on the meaning and obligations of the component pillars of a democracy.

6.4 SEMINAR ON POVERTY

On 13 April a hearing with the Social Affairs Committee organised by the Anti Poverty Forum Malta was hosted by the Speaker of the Parliament in the Maltese Parliament. The hearing, well-attended by Members of Parliament from both sides of the House and representatives of Maltese NGOs and civil society, was also the occasion to launch the ‘Report about Poverty in Malta’ produced by the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice. The hearing was also the occasion to appeal to Parliamentarians to influence their Government in supporting the poverty reduction target in the Europe 2020 strategy.

At this event, the Speaker and the Members of Parliament, had the opportunity to listen to those people experiencing poverty and the ensuing difficult situations they have to endure.

67 Mr Fintan Farrell, Director of the European Anti Poverty Network, headquartered in Brussels, was in Malta on the invitation by the Anti Poverty Forum Malta to take part in the Panel Discussion.

6.5 VISIT BY HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI

On 17 April His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI started a Pastoral Visit to Malta on the occasion of the 1950th anniversary of St Paul’s shipwreck on the Maltese islands and the three months he spent evangelising the archipelago.

The visit started with a meeting with the President of Malta, HE Dr George Abela, at the Palace in Valletta. This meeting was followed by a brief meeting of His Holiness with the Members of the Executive. A photo of His Holiness the Pope and the Members of the Parliament was taken in the Tapestry Chamber.

6.6 VISIT BY HG ARCHBISHOP PAUL CREMONA

On 27 April HG Archbishop Paul Cremona celebrated Mass in the Tapestry Chamber in the Grandmasters’ Palace for staff members working in the various departments housed in the Palace. Up to 1976 the Tapestry Chamber served as the Parliament Chamber. Following Mass, Archbishop Cremona visited the House of Representatives and met with parliamentary staff.

The Archbishop was shown around the premises by Deputy Speaker Hon. Carmelo Abela.

6.7 NSTF MINI EUROPEAN ASSEMBLY

On 7 May, the House of Representatives hosted the 21st edition of the final plenary session of the NSTF Mini European Assembly. This year’s session addressed the interest of consumers and patients in today’s global market. The session, with the theme ‘Does Goliath Always Win? Are the Interests of the Consumers and Patients at the Mercy of the Markets?’, was chaired by the Speaker Hon. Michael Frendo, whereas Commissioner John Dalli delivered the keynote address to the Assembly.

The award presentation ceremony following the plenary session was presided by the Hon. Karl Gouder, himself a Mini European Assembly alumnus. Albert Camilleri from the University of Malta was awarded the Prize for Best Speaker offered by the Malta House of Representatives.

6.8 EUROPE DAY

Also on 7 May, the House of Representatives hosted a debate between six teams of school children aged 14 and 15 with the leaders of today, namely government ministers, MPs from both sides of the House and MEP Edward Scicluna. The debate was chaired by Hon. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the Parliament. The theme of the event, organised jointly by the

68 European Commission Representation in Malta and the European Parliament Office in Malta, was ‘Poverty and Social Exclusion’.

6.9 EKOSKOLA PARLIAMENT

On 27 May the Chamber of the House of Representatives hosted the sixth edition of the Ekoskola Parliament. The Ekoskola programme, organised by Nature Trust, brings together more than 41,000 students from 102 schools from Malta and Gozo. During this sixth session the young participants from nine participating schools addressed their concerns on the environment to Members from both sides of the House. The main thrust of their arguments was that in their homes and schools they were already doing their utmost to better protect the environment so likewise, politicians should work towards ensuring that appropriate legislation is in place and implemented.

6.10 SETTE GIUGNO

Following the refurbishment of St George’s Square in Valletta towards the end of 2009 and the subsequent relocation of the Sette Giugno monument to Hastings Garden in Valletta, the traditional commemorative ceremony held each year at the foot at the monument took place in the new location.

In his speech, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Michael Frendo, recalled the circumstances that led to the death of six Maltese men in the June 1919 riots. These riots were evidence that if Malta wanted to progress economically and socially it needed to gain political and administrative independence from the British Government.

The Constitutional achievements of 1921 were the start of a long and sometimes difficult journey towards the parliamentary democracy we enjoy today. In 2011 the Maltese Parliament will be celebrating the 90th anniversary from the first legislative assembly in 1921.

Mr Speaker stated that the distinct role of the Parliament from that of the Executive branch of Government needs to be better understood and appreciated. Hon. Frendo also stated that better understanding of the work of Parliament and its Members is required and called on the media to play their part in this respect. Furthermore, Mr Speaker referred to the new roles and powers of national parliaments resulting from the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in the previous year.

6.11 NATIONAL YOUTH PARLIAMENT

As in previous years, the 2010 session of the National Youth Parliament organised by the Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ was once again held in the Chamber of the House of Representatives. This activity aims at bringing Maltese youth closer to both the parliamentary and democratic systems of our country, by discussing a number of issues of specific concern to the younger generation.

69 The event, organised on 17 September, was held over two sessions: a morning session for those aged between 13 and 17, and an afternoon session for those aged between 18 and 30. Two ‘parties’ comprising 25 young representatives took part in debates on the restoration of Maltese churches as well as the proposed fireworks regulations.

The sessions were chaired by Deputy Speaker Hon. Ċensu Galea while Parliamentary Secretaries Hon. Clyde Puli and Hon. Mario Galea, Parliamentary Assistant Hon. Frederick Azzopardi and Hon. Owen Bonnici took part in these sessions.

6.12 NOTTE BIANCA

For the fourth year running, the Maltese Parliament participated in the Notte Bianca activity held on 25 September by opening its doors to the public. As in previous years, the venue attracted a large number of people who were shown around the Parliamentary Chamber and Committee Rooms by the parliamentary staff. During the event a number of Members of Parliament, as well as the Speaker of the House, were present to meet the public.

6.13 INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON DIPLOMATIC TRAINING

On 28 September, the Speaker of the House Hon. Michael Frendo hosted a group of directors of diplomatic academies for the inaugural session of the 38th Meeting of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training. Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, who was on a visit to the Maltese Parliament, also addressed this seminar. The diplomatic community in Malta attended this event.

6.14 ENGAGING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY – ROTARY CLUB MALTA

In 2010, Speaker Michael Frendo embarked on an Outreach Programme ‘Engaging with Civil Society’ by the Maltese Parliament with the aim of bringing Parliament and civil society closer together. A society based on a parliamentary democracy requires that the public in general be appreciative of the function of Parliament in society

The first meeting under this programme was held on 11 October, when Speaker Frendo hosted a group of members of the Rotary Club Malta. The group of about 80 Rotarians had the opportunity to attend the Question Time of a parliamentary debate in the House. The group, together with the Speaker and the two parliamentary Whips, later convened in the parliamentary Committee Room to give an overview on the work of Parliament. They also answered questions from the guests present at this event.

6.15 ENGAGING WITH CIVIL SOCIETY – LYON PÔLE BOURSE

The second meeting of the Outreach Programme was held on 23 October, when the Speaker hosted a group from the Lyon Pôle Bourse from France. Hon. Frendo and the Opposition Whip Hon. Joe Mizzi met a group of 75 members of the Lyon Pôle Bourse in the parliamentary Committee Room. The Speaker of the House gave a brief presentation about the work of Parliament and also answered questions put by the guests.

70 6.16 INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

On Wednesday 24 November, Hon. Edwin Vassallo, Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee, and Hon. Justyne Caruana, Opposition spokesperson for equality and the family, marked the international day for the elimination of violence against women during the adjournment time of the parliamentary sitting. The Members spoke of the need of a revision of the laws governing domestic violence and of the ways in which domestic violence manifests itself.

6.17 SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE MIDDLE EAST

Speaker Michael Frendo addressed the second international conference of the Middle East section of the Valdai Discussion Club ‘Scenarios and Models of the Middle East settlement’, held in Malta on 9-10 December. The aim of the conference that brought together 51 worldwide known experts on the Middle East, was to find new solutions to the Arab-Israeli conflict and to elaborate on existing proposals.

6.18 LAUNCH OF BOOK: ‘LA VIA DELLA CINA – PASSATO, PRESENTE E FUTURO DI UN GIGANTE DELLA STORIA’

On 9 December the Speaker hosted the launching of the book “La Via della Cina – Passato, presente e futuro di un gigante della storia” by Prof Cav Giancarlo Elia Valori in the parliamentary Committee Room. HE Efisio Luigi Marras, Italian Ambassador to Malta, HE Zhang Keyuan, Chinese Ambassador to Malta, Hon. Michael Frendo, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech, Chairman of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, Hon. George Vella, Opposition Spokesman on Foreign Affairs, and Ms Helga Ellul, Chairman of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, delivered speeches during this event.

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Speaker Louis Galea meets new police recruits from the Police Academy in March

Speaker Michael Frendo chairs the EkoSkola Parliament in May

Deputy Speaker Ċensu Galea chairs the Youth Parliament in September

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Visit to the House of Representatives by HG Archbishop Paul Cremona in April

Visit to the House of Representatives by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in April

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7. OBITUARIES

During 2010 the House expressed its grief:

- on 11 January at the death of Prof. Edwin Busuttil, ex-Speaker of the House, who passed away on 21 December 2009

- on 1 March at the death of Dr George Bonello Dupuis, ex-Minister and ex-Member of Parliament, who passed away on 19 February 2010

- also on 1 March at the death of Mr Joseph Mangion, father of Hon. Charles Mangion, who passed away on 14 February 2010

- on 29 September at the death of Mr Louis Gonzi, father of Prime Minister Hon. Lawrence Gonzi and of Hon. Michael Gonzi, who passed away on 6 September 2010

- also on 29 September 2010 at the death of Mr George Abela, father of HE the President of Malta Dr George Abela, who passed away on 7 September 2010

- on 15 November at the death of Dr Joseph Saliba, ex-Member of Parliament, who passed away on 3 November 2010.

On 29 September the House paid its respects to President Emeritus Prof Guido de Marco, ex-Minister and ex-Member of Parliament, who passed away on 12 August 2010. The House was adjourned as a sign of respect.

Furthermore, on 1 February, the House commemorated the victims of the Holocaust victims of World War II and victims of other wars crimes in recent years and observed some moments of silence.

As part of the commemoration in Parliament of Members of the House, or former Members, who pass away during the year, the Parliament, as of this year under review, started producing a short booklet containing a copy of the oath of allegiance of the Member as well as his/her maiden speech or last speech in Parliament. The commemorative booklet is distributed to all the Members of Parliament and to the family of the deceased who is invited to attend the commemoration in the House.

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MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 11th Legislature

as on 31 December 2010

Speaker of the House of Representatives : Hon. Michael Frendo

Partit Nazzjonalista (Government) Partit Laburista (Opposition)

Agius David Abela Carmelo Agius Francis Agius Chris Arrigo Robert Agius Decelis Anthony Azzopardi Frederick Bartolo Evarist Azzopardi Jason Bonnici Owen Bonnici Charlò Brincat Leo Borg Tonio Buhagiar Charles Cassar Joseph Buontempo Stefan Cristina Dolores Busuttil Luciano de Marco Mario Cardona Chris Debono Franco Caruana Justyne Debono Giovanna Cauchi Gino Deguara Louis Coleiro Preca Marie Louise Falzon Joseph Dalli Helena Farrugia Jean Pierre Debono Grech Joe Fenech Tonio Falzon Michael Fenech Adami Beppe Farrugia Angelo Galea Ċensu Farrugia Michael Galea Mario Farrugia Noel Gatt Austin Galdes Roderick Gonzi Lawrence Gulia Gavin Gonzi Michael Herrera José Gouder Karl Mangion Charles Micallef Peter Mizzi Joe Mifsud Philip Muscat Joseph Mifsud Bonnici Carmelo Parnis Silvio Mugliett Jesmond Pullicino Marlene Puli Clyde Refalo Anton Pullicino George Sant Alfred Pullicino Orlando Jeffrey Sammut Joseph Said Chris Vassallo Adrian Spiteri Stephen Vella George Vassallo Edwin Vella Karmenu Zammit Ninu Zammit Anthony Zammit Dimech Francis

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ANNEX 1: MEETINGS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE HON. MICHAEL FRENDO, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, IN 2010

20 January Hon. Gianfranco Fini, President of the Italian Camera dei Deputati, meets Speaker Louis Galea

22 January Courtesy call by HE Patrick Hennessy, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Malta

28 January Courtesy call by HE Anne Quinane, High Commissioner for Australia to Malta

5 February Meeting with Mr Gerald O’Connor, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Republic of Ireland in Malta

12 March Courtesy call by HE George Ney de Souza Fernandes, Ambassador for Brazil to Malta

Courtesy call by HE Mohn Zulkephli Bin Mohd Noor, High Commissioner for Malaysia to Malta

16 March Meeting with the Deputy Speaker and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Urmas Paet

26 March Courtesy call by HE Luis José Berroterán Acosta, Ambassador for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to Malta

9 April Speaker Louis Galea meets Commissioner John Dalli, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy in Brussels

13 April Speaker Louis Galea meets a delegation from the Joint Committee on the Constitution of the Houses of the Oireachtas, Ireland, led by its Chairman Mr Sean Ardagh

10 May HE Ann Belinda Nyikuli, High Commissioner for the Republic of Kenya to Malta, pays a farewell call on Speaker Michael Frendo

31 May Courtesy call by HE Mohamed Ali Ganzoui, Ambassador of Tunisia to Malta

22 July Speaker Michael Frendo visits the National Audit Office

23 July Speaker Michael Frendo meets a delegation from the Senate of Thailand led by Mr Nikom Wairatpanij, First Vice President of the Senate, and a number of chairmen of committees in the Senate of Thailand

18 August Speaker Michael Frendo visits the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Centre

79 23 September Speaker Michael Frendo meets a Chinese delegation led by Vice President and Secretary General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Li Jianguo

28 September Meeting with Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

4 October Courtesy call by HE Eufesio Luigi Marras, newly appointed Ambassador of Italy to Malta

5 October Courtesy call by HE Abdelmawgoud Elhabashy, Ambassador of Egypt to Malta

1 November Meeting with HE Dr Werner Hoyer, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany

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KAMRA TAD-DEPUTATI PARLAMENT TA’ MALTA

The Palace Valletta – Malta

Tel: +356 2559 6000 Fax: +356 2559 6400

Website: www.parlament.mt

Printed at the Government Press

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