House of Representatives

Annual Review 2006 THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE PALACE –

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Printed at the Government Press CONTENTS

Foreward i

(A) HOUSE BUSINESS 6

(1) Overview 6 (2) Legislative Programme 7 (3) Parliamentary Questions 10 (4) Ministerial Statements 10 (5) Petitions 10 (6) Motions 11 (7) Papers laid 11 (8) Divisions 11

(B) STANDING COMMITTEES 11

(1) Standing Committee on House Business 13 (2) Standing Committee on Privileges 14 (3) Standing Committee on Public Accounts 14 (4) Standing Committee on Social Affairs 15 (5) Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs 17 (6) Standing Committee for the Consideration of Bills 19 (7) Standing Committee on Development Planning 19 (8) National Audit Office Accounts Committee 19

(C) INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES 20

(1) Mr Speaker 20 (2) Deputy Speaker 22 (3) Conferences hosted by the House of Representatives 22 (4) Outgoing visits of Maltese parliamentary delegations 22 (5) Incoming visits of parliamentary delegations 28 (6) Parliamentary Friendship Groups 28

(D) ASSOCIATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENTS 28

(E) OTHER ACTIVITIES 28

(F) OBITUARIES 31 ANNEXES

A. Members of Parliament – 10th Legislature 33 B. Schedule of Meetings of Hon Speaker of the House of Representatives 34 C. Extract from the Standing Orders re Standing Committees 37 D. Meetings of the Standing Committee on House Business 42 E. Meetings of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts 43 F. Meetings of the Standing Committee for Social Affairs 44 G. Meetings of the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs 46 H. Meetings of the Standing Committee for Consideration of Bills 49 I. Meetings of the Standing Committee on Development and Planning 50 J. Meetings of the National Audit Office Accounts Committee 51 K. Parliamentary Friendship Groups 52 Foreward Anton Tabone Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Annual Review of activities of the House of Representatives for 2006 is the first such publication of its kind. It incorporates an overview of events that happened in the House, both at the local and at the international level. I hope that it provides a good reference to all Members.

2006 was a successful and eventful year. Much has been achieved but much more remains to be done. I am confident that, with the assistance of both sides in the House, our main objective, namely that of reforming procedures and work practices in the House, will realize itself in the not distant future. Such a reform, whilst ensuring the independence, effectiveness and accountability of Parliament, would guarantee a more professional parliamentary service. We need urgent and better tools to carry out our duties and responsibilities in present day circumstances.

I wish to highlight three special events. The first concerns the refurbishment of two halls adjacent to the offices of the Chairpersons of the Standing Committees. The space is now occupied by the Research Analysts attached with the Standing Committees and a documentation centre that has been set-up for research and use by Members of Parliament. The second relates to the launch, after so many years of hard work, of the book entitled ‘Malta’s Parliament –– An Official History’. The third event is the establishment of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean with its Executive Secretariat in Malta. The Assembly will, for the first time, bring together, on an equal footing, all the national parliaments on the Mediterranean littoral. I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to both sides in the House for their continued support towards this project.

Finally, my sincere appeal to all Members of Parliament. As the people’s representatives, we have to work harder to make the House more active, more open and more visible. Whilst recognizing your commitment and dedication, sometimes at personal expense, I am confident that with the assistance and cooperation of all Members we can look forward with courage and enthusiasm.

A special word of thanks goes to all the Staff of the House of Representatives and particularly to those who contributed towards the first issue of this publication. I augur that this initiative will be carried forward and improved upon in the years ahead.

i (A) HOUSE BUSINESS

(1) Overview

During 2006, the House of Representatives met 141 times, averaging three sessions a week. The House sat from 9 January to 5 April, from 24 April to 28 July and from 25 September to 12 December 2006. Sittings were more frequent during discussions on the 2007 Budget allocations to the various Ministries. The 2007 Budget was presented on the 18 October 2006.

Adjournment was availed of on 115 occasions, divided equally between Government and Opposition members on an alternating basis.

During 2006, there were 24 calls for quorum, 10 of which were called in one sitting. The House was adjourned for the next sitting day with the same agenda on six occasions due to lack of quorum, while on the other occasions, the sitting was resumed after the interval of five minutes.

On the 24th January, the House ratified the Accession Treaty between the EU Member States and the Republic of Bulgaria and of Romania. The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs had recommended the ratification of the said Treaty.

In May, the House debated an amendment to the Standing Orders of the House wherein the discussion on the monetary policy with the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta was included in the remit of the Public Accounts Committee.

In July, the House debated the partial revision of the Structure Plan which, in accordance with the Development Planning Act, was first debated in the Standing Committee on Development Planning. Since the motion was not unanimously agreed to in Committee, the law provided for the motion to be referred back to the House for further discussion.

Also in July, the House approved the transfer of Government property in Ta’ Qali to the US Embassy in Malta.

In October, the House approved Malta’s adhesion to the European Patent Convention and to the Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Also in October, the House debated the working plan for the year 2005 – 2006 of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Small Businesses and the Self Employed relating to initiatives to develop entrepreneurship in Malta.

On 4th December the adjournment time was dedicated to the Council of campaign to combat domestic violence against women, a serious assault on human dignity which prevents women from enjoying the fundamental rights secured by the European Convention on Human Rights. The adjournment time was shared equally by the Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity and Hon Helena Dalli.

During the same month, the House also approved the ratification of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

During the year, Mr Speaker delivered eight rulings, six of which related to alleged cases of breach of privilege.

6 On 30th January, the House observed a minute’s silence to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust following the United Nations resolution of the 21st November 2005 designating the 27th January as annual international day of commemoration to honour Holocaust victims.

(2) Legislative Programme

During 2006, Parliament enacted 20 acts, 10 of which were principal acts and 10 amendment acts.

(i) Primary legislation and objectives behind the respective Bills

• Act II of 2006 – The Budget Measures Implementation Act

The objects of this bill were to implement various budget measures and to implement other administrative measures.

• Act III of 2006 – The Rome Convention on Contractual Obligation (Ratification) Act

The object of this bill was to implement the Ratification of the Accession Convention of the 14th April 2005 to the 1980 Rome Convention on the law which applies to contractual obligations and to incorporate the Rome Convention into the laws of Malta, and furthermore, in order to establish and facilitate through the European Union Act the legal mechanism which is necessary for the transposing into Maltese legislation of such Conventions as Malta is bound to implement as a Member State of the European Union.

• Act IV of 2006 – The Human Blood and Transplants Act

The object of the bill was to transpose Directives 2002/98EC, 2004/33EC and 2004/23EC and more explicitly to ensure that activities relating to the collection and testing of human blood and blood components, whatever their intended purpose, and to their preparation, storage and distribution when intended for transfusion, are undertaken only by blood establishments in Malta which have been designated, authorized, accredited or licensed by the Licensing Authority for that purpose. Furthermore, the Bill laid down the standards of quality and safety for human tissues and cells intended for human applications in order to ensure a high level of protection of human health.

• Act V – The Securitisation Act

The object of this bill was to provide for securitisation and to introduce new rules on securitisation vehicles.

• Act X of 2006 – The Euro Adoption Act

The objects and reasons of this bill were the establishment of the legal framework and mechanics to provide for the adoption of the euro as the currency of Malta and for the replacement of the Maltese lira by the euro on such a date as may be established in agreement between the and the Council of the European Union.

7 • Act XI of 2006 – The International Carriage of Goods by Road Act

The object and reasons of this bill were the ratification by Malta of the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) signed in Geneva on the 19th May, 1956 as amended by the CMR Protocol of Geneva signed on the 5th July, 1978 and its incorporation into the domestic law of Malta.

• Act XII of 2006 – The Insurance Intermediaries Act

The main object of this bill was to substitute the Insurance Brokers and Other Intermediaries Act, Cap. 404, to regulate insurance intermediaries activities and to fully implement the provisions of Directive 2002/92/EC of the and of the Council of 9th December 2002 on insurance mediation.

The bill also provided for consequential amendments to various other financial services laws.

• Act XVII of 2006 – The Appropriation (2007) Act

This bill provided for the application of a sum not exceeding Lm693,045,027 for the service of the financial year 2007 to meet expenditure under the different Votes in the Schedule to the bill.

• Act XVIII of 2006 – The Second (2006) Appropriation Act

This bill provided for the application of a sum not exceeding Lm50,439,980 for the service of the financial year 2006 to meet expenditure under the Votes specified in the First Schedule to the bill in addition to Lm667,644,678 appropriated by Act No. XV of 2005 and for the appropriation of a further sum of Lm20 for the service of the financial year 2006 to repay an equivalent amount withdrawn from the Contingencies Fund during the financial year 2006 under the Votes specified in the Second Schedule to the bill.

• Act XX of 2006 – The Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (Regulation) Act

The object of this bill was the transposition into Maltese law of the provisions of Directive 2004/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 29th April, 2004 on the enforcement of intellectual property rights.

(ii) Amendment Acts and objectives behind the respective Bills

• Act I of 2006 – The Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) (Amendment) Act

The main object of this bill was to provide for more certain and fairer criteria to determine whether land is a building site or otherwise for the purpose of compensation in the case of expropriation, and to regulate the value of land compulsorily taken possession of prior to 2003.

8 • Act VI of 2006 – The Social Security (Amendment) Act

The object of this bill was to amend the provisions of the Social Security Act, Cap. 318, relating to the pension in respect of invalidity and to establish and grant the necessary powers to the Benefit Fraud and Investigation Directorate.

• Act VII of 2006 – The Employment and Training Services (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this bill were the provision of a legal basis for and the facilitation of re-deployment exercises within the public sector which may become necessary in view of the need to restructure or reorganize bodies corporate or companies pertaining to the sector.

• Act VIII of 2006 – The Excise Duty (Amendment) Act

The object of this bill was to provide for adjustments in the excise duty rates of certain energy products.

• Act IX of 2006 – The European Convention (Amendment) Act

The purpose of this bill was to empower the Minister for Justice to implement,as soon as possible, any judgment of the Constitutional Court of Malta or of the European Court of Human Rights which affects the validity of a law in Malta.

• Act XIII of 2006 – The Education (Amendment) Act

The object of this bill was to provide for two complementary yet distinct Directorates instead of the Education Division and to better distinguish the regulatory and operative functions of the State in the education sector, so as to create the framework for the reorganisation of the State schools into Colleges, to establish the Council for the Teaching Profession, to establish a National Commission for Higher Education, to incorporate the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology in the Education Act, and to provide for other matters ancillary thereto or connected therewith.

• Act XIV of 2006 – The Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure (Amendment) Act

The main object of the bill was to reform the operative way of executive and precautionary warrants in Court and to introduce novel methods and measures in order to have the execution of judgments and the protection of the rights of the parties in the judicial process better protected and so as to introduce simpler instruments and means which are more efficient and efficacious.

• Act XV of 2006 – The Consumer Protection Laws (Amendment) Act

The object of this bill was to amend and to provide for enforcement measures in various laws in order to implement Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 October 2004 on co-operation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws. The bill further provided for an alteration of the Minister responsible for the administration of two related Acts.

9 • Act XVI of 2006 – The Criminal Code (Amendment) Act

The purpose of this bill was mainly that of implementing measures to ensure a better and more expeditious administration of justice as outlined in the January 2005 Government White Paper, such as introducing restrictions to the immediate granting of bail to repeat offenders, the payment in criminal proceedings of judicial costs to the State and of damages to the crime victim, the removal of the mandatory requirement of corroboration of the evidence of an accomplice, the elimination of the punishment of imprisonment in criminal libel actions under the Press Act and the removal of mandatory imprisonment in cases of sharing in drug offences.

• Act of XIX of 2006 – The Social Security (Amendment) (No 2) Act

The object of this bill was to amend the provisions of the Social Security Act, Cap. 318, relating to the pension in respect of retirement and to make consequential amendments.

(3) Parliamentary Questions

During the year under review, 8,626 parliamentary questions were tabled out of which 109 requested a written answer.

(4) Ministerial Statements

During 2006, two ministerial statements were delivered to the House.

On 6th February, the Minister of Education, Youth and Employment delivered a statement on the setting up of the National Commission for Higher Education and laid on the Table of the House a copy of the interim terms of reference of the National Commission. The aim of setting up the National Commission for Higher Education was to ensure that excellence would be provided and that it would coordinate synergies between students, institutions, government and the world of work to offer high quality education that is equitable, responsive to today’s needs, innovative and flexible, while still being cost effective and sustainable.

On 6th March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement on the agreement signed between Malta and for joint oil exploitation and exploration in zones of the Continental Shelf located between the two States. Minister Frendo said that a joint expert group would be set up to determine the exact coverage of these zones taking duly into account any possible rights of third states and following the relevant rules of international law.

(5) Petitions

Five petitions were deposited in Parliament during 2006.

On 11th January, Hon Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando presented a petition signed by residents of Triq il- Grazzja in Zebbu; regarding rain water flooding due to lack of storm water culverts.

On 5th April, Hon Roderick Galdes presented a petition signed by residents of Tank Street, Si;;iewi, regarding the lack of adequate access to their property.

On 8th May, Hon Justyne Caruana presented a signed petition regarding the structural damage in the columns in Rosa Magro Primary School in Xewkija.

10 On 27th June, Hon Leo Brincat presented a petition signed by residents in Swatar and Msida regarding MEPA’s proposal to rationalise the land in Imsida Valley, while Hon Michael Gonzi presented a petition signed by residents of Mellie[a regarding Government’s proposal to alter the existing building boundaries and include the areas of Ta’ Bra;; and Qortin within the building schemes.

(6) Motions

During 2006, the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives received 51 motions, 24 of which were for First Reading of bills and seven were private Members’ motions.

The private Members’ motions were:-

•a motion regarding Government’s decision to introduce a surcharge on water and electricity consumption, submitted by Hon Marie Louise Coleiro and Hon Joe Mizzi, which motion was debated in April;

• two motions submitted by Hon Joe Mizzi to contest the rulings given by Mr Speaker on 20th and 29th March, and two other motions to contest the rulings delivered by Mr Speaker on 24th July;

•a motion submitted by Hon and Hon Joseph Cuschieri on the situation of the tourism sector in Malta, which motion was debated in July;

•a motion of no confidence in the Minister for the Investment, Industry and Information Technology, presented by Hon Charles Mangion and Hon Joe Mizzi, which motion was debated in July.

(7) Papers laid

During 2006, 1,715 documents were laid on the Table of the House, 330 of which were legal notices.

There were also a number of documents laid on the Table of the House by Mr Speaker, amongst them, four constitutional court sentences, a number of reports submitted by the National Audit Office and replies to parliamentary questions submitted by the Members of Parliament to Mr Speaker.

Hon , Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee, laid on the Table of the House proposed amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance emanating from the long debate held in the Social Affairs Committee on proposed amendments to the legislation relating to drug use in Malta.

(8) Divisions

Divisions called and taken during the year under review, totaled 55.

(B) 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 of whatever nature are discussed in Committee and recommendations may be submitted to the House for its consideration.

11 Presentation of the publication commemorating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Standing Committees of the House of Representatives.

Presentation of the Report by the Auditor General – Public Accounts 2005.

Hon. Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, receives Mr Ivaylo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria.

12 The Standing Committees have 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 internet, thus facilitating an even closer relationship between the people and their elected representatives in the House.

The House has six Standing Committees, namely,

• Standing Committee on House Business • Standing Committee on Privileges • Standing Committee on Public Accounts • Standing Committee for Social Affairs • Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs • Standing Committee for Consideration of Bills • Standing Committee on Development Planning • National Audit Office Accounts Committee

The Standing Committee on Development Planning and the National Audit Office Accounts Committee ensues from Development Planning Act (1992) Cap.356 and of the Auditor General and National Audit Office Act (1997) Cap.396 respectively.

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.

(1) Standing Committee on House Business

Chairperson: Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members: Hon , Leader of the House and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Home Affairs Hon Mario Galea Hon Frederick Azzopardi Hon Charles Mangion Hon Joe Mizzi

The Standing Committee on House Business shall

(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; (iii) determine the time when any business, if not previously concluded, shall be concluded by a Standing Committee.

The Committee on House Business held seven meetings during the year. The Committee discussed legislative business and schedules of work in the House. The 2006 Ombudsplan was discussed and approved by the Committee.

13 (2) Standing Committee on Privileges

Chairperson: Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members: Hon Tonio Borg, Leader of the House and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Home Affairs Hon Hon Hon Angelo Farrugia Hon Joseph Sammut

(a) 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; (b) The Standing Committee shall be constituted by the Leader of the House, two Members nominated by the Prime Minister and two members nominated by the Leader of the Opposition; (c) The provisions of paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of Standing Order 120C shall mutatis mutandis apply to the Standing Committee on Privileges; (d) The Standing Committee on Privileges shall, without prejudice to the provisions 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 authorised to participate in the proceedings, but he shall in no case have a vote thereat.

(3) Standing Committee on Public Accounts

Chairperson: Hon Charles Mangion

Members: Hon , Minister for Investment, Industry and Information Technology Hon , Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance Hon Chris Agius Hon Robert Arrigo Hon Helena Dalli Hon Mario de Marco

(a) The Standing Committee on Public Accounts shall have the power to: (i) inquire into matters relating to public accounts referred to it by the House, a Minister or the Director of Audit; (ii) inquire into expenditure as is referred to in subsection (3) of section 103 and section 104 of the Constitution; (iii) examine the accounts of statutory authorities, including parastatal organisations, whose accounts are presented to Parliament; (iv) 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; (v) consider memoranda submitted by the Director of Audit, made upon a request made to him in virtue of paragraph (iv) hereof, or on his own initiative; (vi) examine reports, and related documents, made by the Director of Audit;

14 (vii) report to the House on any accounts, reports or documents referred in the previous paragraphs hereof; (viii) 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. (b) The Standing Committee on Public Accounts 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; (c) The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of Standing Order 120B shall apply to the Public Accounts Committee; (d) 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.

The Public Accounts Committee met on seventeen occasions. Amongst other things, the Committee discussed the annual report of the Auditor General for the year 2004, the National Audit Office report on risk management in government departments – an audit approach, the Poultry Cooperative and Cooperatives in general.

Following an amendment to the Standing Orders of the House, the Public Accounts Committee became the Committee responsible to discuss Malta’s monetary policy. Three sittings were subsequently dedicated to this issue.

No less than seven sittings of the Public Accounts Committee were dedicated to debate the inquiry and report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station.

(4) Standing Committee for Social Affairs

Chairperson: Hon Clyde Puli

Members: Hon Frederick Azzopardi Hon Karl Chircop Hon Marie Louise Coleiro Preca Hon Michael Farrugia Hon Franco Galea Hon Michael Gonzi

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

The Standing Committee for Social Affairs met nineteen times during 2006. The Committee continued its debate on research, development and innovation within the context of the knowledge economy and also on the proposed amendments to the legislation regarding drug use in Malta. During 2006, it also debated mainstreaming disability issues in legislation and policy and in the decision making process; the role of the National Statistics Office in socio-economic development; the challenges and

15 Participants attending the 37th CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference in Malta.

Final Session of the NSTF – Mini European Assembly hosted by the House of Representatives.

Sette Giugno commemoration.

16 opportunities for Malta as regards the innovation society; the annual report of the Commissioner for Children and the report of the National Commission for the Family.

The Committee continued scrutinizing the European Union acquis referred to it by the Working Group within the Foreign and European Affairs Committee responsible for filtering and referral of documents. Ten documents were scrutinised during the year under review. They included the European Quality Charter for Mobility; jobs and growth – a new start for the Lisbon Strategy; improving the mental health of the population; advanced therapy medicinal products; social protection and social inclusion policies in the European Union; roadmap for equality between women and men; prudent use of anti- microbial agents in human medicine; the establishment of a second programme for Community action in the field of health; the improvement of the portability of supplementary pension rights.

(5) Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs (SCFEA)

Chairperson: Hon Jason Azzopardi

Members: Hon Michael Frendo, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon Michael Asciak Hon Evarist Bartolo Hon Leo Brincat Hon Mario de Marco Hon Jose’ Herrera Hon Clyde Puli Hon

The Maltese European Parliament Members can also participate in the Standing Committee meetings but do not have any voting rights.

(a) The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs shall deal with matters relating to foreign and European affairs which may be referred to it by the House or by the Standing Committee on House Business; (b) The provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of Standing Order 120E shall mutatis mutandis apply to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs.

• Apart from the tasks listed above, the Committee scrutinises on its own initiative legislative proposals or documents that emanate from European Union institutions dealing with EU issues and measures to be taken by the Council of Ministers.

The Plenary SCFEA scrutinizes topics in relation to constitutional affairs, enlargement, development, external relations and trade, enterprise and information society, and competition.

• The SCFEA represents the Maltese House of Representatives at the Conference of European Affairs Committee (COSAC).

• In 2006, the SCFEA was convened thirty-one times. The topics discussed during these meetings comprised both issues related to foreign affairs issues as well as European affairs. The persons invited to address the Committee included amongst others: Commissioners from the European Union, Maltese Members of the European Parliament, Malta’s Permanent Representative in Brussels, ambassadors accredited to Malta, Maltese MPs reporting on their visits abroad on parliamentary business, as well as foreign delegations visiting Malta.

17 •With Malta’s accession to the European Union, the Maltese Parliament has been entrusted with a more direct role in monitoring the European Union decision-making process. In fact, the scrutiny of the EU pipeline acquis through the SCFEA is an important parliamentary function. This added responsibility related to European Affairs was conferred to the Foreign Affairs Committee in October 2003 when it was reconstituted as the Foreign and European Affairs Committee. The SCFEA comprises three working groups that are responsible for the parliamentary scrutiny of the EU pipeline acquis – Working Group 1, Working Group 2 and Working Group 3. Likewise, the Standing Committee on Social Affairs (SAC), which primarily deals with all matters relating to social policy, including social assistance and family matters, can also be requested to function in scrutiny mode.

Working Group 1

Chairperson:: Hon Jason Azzopardi

Members: Hon Michael Gonzi Hon Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando Hon Leo Brincat Hon George Vella

The objective of the Working Group is to analyse the EU pipeline acquis in preliminary scrutiny, that is, to determine 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 SCFEA, Working Group 2, Working Group 3 or the Social Affairs Committee.

Working Group 2

Chairperson: Hon Michael Gonzi

Members: Hon Robert Arrigo Minister responsible for the acquis Hon Leo Brincat Hon Charles Mangion

Working Group 2 addresses issues related to economic and monetary affairs, taxation, research, employment, education and culture, transport and energy, budget, regional policy, internal market, and customs union.

Working group 3

Chairperson: Hon Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando

Members: Hon Joseph Falzon Minister responsible for the acquis Hon Joe Abela Hon George Vella

The areas of competence discussed within Working Group 3 include health and consumer protection, development and humanitarian aid, rural development, fisheries, justice and home affairs and the environment.

18 In 2006 Working Group 1 was convened 10 times scrutinising a total of 370 documents. Working Group 2 met three times while Working Group 3 met on two occasions. The Social Affairs Committee and the plenary SCFEA, in scrutiny mode, met seven times and once respectively.

The activities of the Standing Committee for Foreign and European Affairs are incorporated in the Committee’s Annual Report for 2006.

(6) Standing Committee for the Consideration of Bills

Chairperson: Hon David Agius

Members: Appointed according to Bill being discussed

In 2006, the Committee met twenty-eight times to discuss bills which had been referred to it by a resolution of the House. No less than sixteen bills were discussed, approved and referred back to the House for Third Reading.

(7) Standing Committee on Development Planning

Chairperson: Hon , Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment

Members: Hon Helen D’Amato, Parliamentary Secretary for the Elderly and Community Care Hon Tonio Fenech, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance Hon Joe Brincat Hon Charles Buhagiar

The Committee met four times in 2006 to debate the partial revision of the structure plan.

(8) National Audit Office Accounts Committee

Chairperson: Hon Tonio Borg, Leader of the House and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Home Affairs

Members: Hon Tonio Fenech, Parliamentary Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Finance Hon , Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs Hon Charles Mangion Hon Joseph Sammut

The Committee met twice during the year. It discussed the 2004 annual report of the National Audit Office and the estimates of the same office for the year 2006, and a resolution on the transfer of property in Ta’ Qali to the American Embassy. Since the motion was not unanimously agreed, the motion was referred to the House for discussion.

19 (C) INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

(1) Mr Speaker

(a) The Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, participated in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliaments held in Tallinn, Estonia in May. The Conference, organised by the Estonian Parliament in cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, brought together the Presidents and Speakers of the 46 member states represented in the Council of Europe together with representatives from the national parliaments of Canada, and Mexico in an observer capacity. Following his participation at the Tallinn Conference, Mr Speaker, along with other participants, travelled to to attend a one-day activity marking the 100th anniversary of the 1906 parliament reform in Finland.

In June, Mr Speaker participated in the Annual Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments held in Copenhagen. The focus of the Conference was to provide information and strengthen parliamentary scrutiny in all areas of competence of the European Union. It also promoted studies on joint actions by the Speakers on various topics relating to the role of parliaments and the organisation of parliamentary activities. The Conference officially launched the IPEX website, the tool for Inter-Parliamentary EU Information Exchange.

In September, Mr Speaker, together with Hon Michael Gonzi and Hon George Vella participated at the Inaugural Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) held in Amman, . Established under the aegis of the Inter Parliamentary Union, the PAM will give more stature to parliamentary diplomacy in the Mediterranean region and will provide the Mediterranean region with a unique parliamentary forum of its own, unattached to any ongoing process, where the members of the Assembly will be able to draw up and examine their own agenda. The meeting in Amman decided to locate the Executive Secretariat of the Assembly in Malta and that Malta hosts the next meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly in 2007.

In November, Mr Speaker participated at the third meeting of Presidents of Parliament of the Western Mediterranean Dialogue, also known as the Five Plus Five, which was held in Rabat, . The Western Mediterranean Dialogue brings together the national parliaments of France, , Malta, Portugal and Spain from the northern shore of the Mediterranean, and Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia from the southern shore of the Mediterranean.

(b) Apart from meeting resident and non-resident Ambassadors accredited to Malta and also representatives from Maltese civil society, Mr Speaker received other foreign personalities visiting Malta, including the President and Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, the President of the Belgian Senate, the Deputy Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, the Spanish Minister of Justice, the Foreign Minister of Croatia, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, the Minister for Women, the Family, Children and the Elderly of Tunisia, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Tunisia and the Secretary for Foreign Relations of the General People’s Congress of the Libyan Jamahiriya.

(c) At the bilateral level, Mr Speaker, accompanied by Hon Franco Galea and Hon Joe Mizzi, paid an official visit to Cyprus in October where, apart from holding discussions with the Speaker of the Cypriot House of Representatives, was received by the President of the Republic of Cyprus.

20 Participants in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments held in Copenhagen, June 2006.

21 (2) Deputy Speaker

In January, the Hon Carmelo Abela, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, participated in the 18th Conference of Commonwealth Speakers held in Kenya which brought together Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Parliaments with a view to exchange information and express views on matters of common concern.

In February, Hon Abela took part in the Small European States’ Conference of Presidents of Parliaments held in Monaco. This forum brought together the Presidents of Parliaments of Small European states to consolidate the existing relations and to study further the common problems of the participating countries.

(3) Conferences hosted by the House of Representatives

(a) In April, the House of Representatives hosted the 37th British Isles and Mediterranean Regional Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. The British Isles and Mediterranean Regional Conference was last held in Malta in 1995. These conferences, unlike plenary conferences of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, focus mainly on matters of regional interest but also touch upon other issues of common concern. The Malta conference tackled a variety of themes ranging from peace and security in Europe and the Mediterranean, ocean management and sustainable development, illegal immigration, the role of national parliaments in international relations and the Commonwealth–European Union relationship. The main theme of the opening plenary of the Conference was entitled “The Positive outcome from CHOGM in the trade area balanced against the disappointment from the Hong Kong talks”. The Conference had extensive input from expert speakers, both local and foreign, including the participation of local Members of Parliament. Through such activities, Malta continues to contribute towards wider visibility of the Commonwealth in international relations. The House of Representatives is determined to work towards the enhancement of parliamentary diplomacy which provides an essential tool towards the promotion and reinforcement of parliamentary democracy.

(b) In November, the House of Representatives hosted the autumn meetings of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly which consisted of a conference on “Immigration, Integration and Cross-Cultural Dialogue: The role of the OSCE”, the Mediterranean Forum and the Standing Committee of heads of delegations. Almost 300 delegates from 50 countries of the OSCE and four Mediterranean Partners, including Libya that was participating for the first time, attended the meetings. The meetings served as an opportunity for members of the Parliamentary Assembly to focus on issues of specific interest that affects OSCE states, and to interact with experts on such matters.

(4) Outgoing visits of Maltese parliamentary delegations

(a) Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs (SCFEA)

• The Standing Committee’s involvement in Parliament’s international activities have expanded considerably during the past year with the Committee paying official visits to the Czech Republic, Croatia, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and finally the Russian Federation. These official visits have further enhanced bilateral cooperation with the national assemblies and the foreign and European affairs counterparts in other countries. During the visits abroad, the Maltese Committee members had the opportunity to observe

22 parliamentary work and gain from the experience achieved by other similar committees, both covering the European perspective as well as other non-EU and Eastern outlooks.

• The Chairman and designated Members of the SCFEA participated in the Conference of European Affairs Committees (COSAC) meetings held in and Helsinki, coinciding with the European Council’s presidency. Amongst other things, issues that were discussed during these meetings were the subsidiarity and proportionality test being carried out by COSAC as well as the enhancement of the role of national parliaments in the EU legislative process.

(b) Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)

Members : Hon Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando Hon Robert Arrigo Hon Joe Debono Grech Hon Leo Brincat Hon Helen D’Amato Hon Joseph Falzon

During 2006, the Maltese delegation attended the four part sessions of the PACE held in Strasbourg and also attended meetings of the 10 committees of the Council of Europe that were hosted by the various member states of the Council of Europe.

In June, Hon Leo Brincat, on behalf of the Council of Europe, went on a fact-finding mission to Beirut, Lebanon. Mr Brincat held high level meetings with senior personalities representing all walks of life in Lebanon.

In September, Hon Carmelo Abela and Hon Joseph Falzon attended the UEFA Conference “Play Fair with Sport” organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

(c) European Parliament (EP)

During 2006, on the invitation of the European Parliament, Maltese parliamentarians had the opportunity to participate at various parliamentary meetings in Brussels as follows:

January: Hon Frederick Azzopardi and Hon Joe Mizzi attended the joint meeting on energy efficiency. Hon David Agius and Hon George Vella attended the parliamentary meeting “Parliaments on the road to Lisbon”.

February: Hon Chris Agius and Hon Joseph Falzon attended the inter-parliamentary debate on “How to raise growth in the euro area?”.

May: Hon George Vella and Hon Clyde Puli attended the parliamentary meeting on the Future of Europe.

October: Hon Joseph Falzon attended the meeting on the role of budgetary control committees in national parliaments in particular with regard to the control of the Community budget.

23 November: Hon Chris Aguis attended the public hearing on the future single market policy.

December: Hon Michael Asciak and Hon George Vella attended the joint parliamentary meeting on the Future of Europe “From Reflection to action”.

(d) European Union (EU)

The Austrian Presidency of the European Union also hosted meetings of various parliamentary committees in national parliaments. In April, Hon David Aguis and Hon Gavin Gulia attended the meeting for Home Affairs Committees of national parliaments. In May, Hon Robert Arrigo and Hon Charles Mangion attended the meeting for Financial Affairs Committees of national parliaments while in June, Hon Joseph Falzon and Hon Joe Mizzi attended the Conference for Environment Committees in the national parliaments.

(e) Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)

Maltese parliamentarians attended meetings organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as follows:

January: Hon Joseph Abela and Hon Franco Galea attended the CPA UK Branch Seminar on restoring faith in the political process in London.

May: Hon Franco Galea and Hon Joseph Sammut attended the CPA 21st Century Trust Conference, its main theme being “Where is globalization heading?” in Bangalore, India.

Hon Frederick Azzopardi attended the 18th CPA Annual Seminar held in the Grand Turks, Turks and Caicos Islands.

October: Hon Helena Dalli attended the CPA 5th Session of the Canadian Parliamentary Seminar held in Ottawa, Canada.

September: Hon Frederick Azzopardi and Hon Joe Mizzi attended the 52nd CPA Annual Conference and the 26th CPA Conference for Small Countries in Abuja, Nigeria.

November: Hon Justyne Caruana attended the CPA UK Branch seminar on “Gender equality – the foundation of democracy and development” held in London.

(f) Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA)

Members: Hon George Vella Hon Michael Asciak Hon Mario Galea

The Maltese parliamentary delegation to EMPA attended various meetings in Brussels, Rome and Tunis. The three Committees, namely, the Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between Civil Societies and Culture; the Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, Social Affairs and Education; and the Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights, met regularly during 2006. EMPA held its plenary session in Brussels. The sequence of meetings was as follows:

24 Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, meets French parliamentarians.

Launch of the book ‘ Malta’s Parliament - An Official History’.

Presentation of the 2005 Annual Report of the Office of the Ombudsman.

25 February: Hon Franco Galea attended the meeting of the Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between Civil Societies and Culture in Rome.

Hon Michael Asciak attended the working Group on Civil Protection and Prevention of Natural and Ecological Disasters in the Euro-Mediterranean region in Brussels.

March: Hon George Vella attended the meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights in Brussels.

Hon George Vella, Hon Franco Galea and Hon Joseph Falzon participated at the plenary session of the EMPA in Brussels.

May: Hon Frederick Azzopardi attended the Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, Social Affairs and Education in Brussels.

June: Hon George Vella attended the meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs, Security and Human Rights in Brussels.

Hon Franco Galea attended the Working Group on the financing of the Assembly and revision of the EMPA’s Rules of Procedure in Paris.

November: Hon Michael Asciak attended the meeting of the Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, Social Affairs and Education in Tunisia.

(g) Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Executive Committee of the National Group:

President: Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives Vice Presidents: Hon , Prime Minister Hon , Leader of the Opposition Members: Hon Michael Gonzi Hon George Vella

Alternate Members: Hon Mario Galea Hon Joe Mizzi

The 114th Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union held in Nairobi, Kenya in May, was attended by Hon Mario Galea and Hon Joe Mizzi, while the 115th Assembly of the IPU held in Geneva in October, was attended by Hon Michael Gonzi and Hon Joe Mizzi.

The Hon Clyde Puli, Chairman of the Social Affairs Committee, attended the IPU’s seminar on the role of parliamentary committees in mainstreaming gender and promoting the status of women, held in Geneva in November. The objectives of the seminar were to identify ways by which the functioning of parliamentary committees dealing with gender equality and the status of women could be enhanced and policy and legislative outcomes bolstered to promote gender equality.

26 (h) Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA)

Chairperson: Hon Jason Azzopardi

Members: Hon Frederick Azzopardi Hon Angelo Farrugia

The Maltese parliamentary delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE attended the meetings organized by the Assembly during the year as follows:

February: Hon Jason Azzopardi, Hon Angelo Farrugia and Hon Frederick Azzopardi attended the winter meeting in Vienna, including those of the Standing Committee and the three General Committees of the Parliamentary Assembly.

April: Hon Frederick Azzopardi and Hon Angelo Farrugia attended the interparliamentary conference “OSCE: Security in Europe and risk management” held in Brussels.

July: Hon Jason Azzopardi and Hon Gavin Gulia attended the 15th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels.

(i) Assembly of the Western European Union (WEU)

Malta is an affiliate permanent observer member in the Assembly.

Hon Joseph Falzon attended the First Part of the 52nd Session and the Second Part of the 53rd Session of the Western European Union Assembly in Paris in June and December respectively.

(j) NATO Parliamentary Assembly

In May, Hon Michael Asciak attended the 12th Mediterranean Dialogue Seminar of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in , Turkey.

(k) Others

• In June, Hon Helena Dalli attended the Second Conference of Women Parliamentarians held in Bulgaria.

• Hon Joe Mizzi attended the first Conference of Elected Representatives of the Mediterranean organized by UNESCO, in Rabat, Morocco. The aim of the conference was to forge a stronger partnership with parliamentarians and other elected representatives by finding ways and means of enhancing their cooperation with UNESCO at local, national and regional levels in order to promote the objectives of the organization in their local and national agenda and legislation in the Mediterranean Region.

• In November, Hon Frederick Azzopardi and Hon Angelo Farrugia attended the Fourth Session of the Interparliamentary Conference on Human Rights and Religious Freedom held in Rome, Italy.

27 (5) Incoming visits of parliamentary delegations

(a) In July, the House of Representatives hosted a delegation from the Grand Committee of the Parliament of Finland. Besides a meeting with the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, the delegation met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Home Affairs to get first hand information on the various problems that Malta, as a small European Union state, was facing due to irregular immigration.

Also in July, the House of Representatives hosted a delegation from the Malta-France Parliamentary Friendship Group with the aim of enhancing existing parliamentary relations between the two countries.

(b) In September, the European Health Academy (EHA) held its third annual meeting in the Committee Room of the House of Representatives. The European Health Academy is an expanded platform that was originated in 2002 in the Czech Republic – a platform for open political and expert discussion about health services, their development and reform. The purposes of the EHA is to extend the Czech initiative to the European level, in particular, by inviting politicians from the 10 new member states of the European Union and the three candidate countries (Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia) to share their experiences with healthcare reforms in Europe. Some 30 participants coming from various European countries, attended the Malta meeting.

(6) Parliamentary Friendship Groups

In addition to official international activities, international links are also maintained by the Parliamentary Friendship Groups. The House of Representatives has eight Parliamentary Friendship Groups with , , France, Italy, Tunisia, UK, Libya and .

The Maltese-French Parliamentary Friendship Group met in Malta in July 2006.

(D) ASSOCIATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

During the year, the Association held several meetings at the House of Representatives. The Association is a member of the European Association of Former Members of Parliament of the Member States of the Council of Europe or the European Union.

Dr George Bonello du Puis and Mr Lino Debono participated in the meetings of the European Association of Former Members of Parliaments of the Member States of the Council of Europe or the European Union held in Limassol in November 2006. On the Maltese delegation’s initiative, the Final Declaration was amended to include a reference to the establishment of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean.

(E) OTHER ACTIVITIES

(1) Sette Giugno

In June, as in previous years, Mr Speaker delivered a speech at the Sette Giugno ceremony in Valletta. Once again, Mr Speaker referred to the need for Parliament to work autonomously from the public service and that Members of Parliament need better facilities to carry out their duties more efficiently. He also stressed the importance that the public be knowledgeable about Parliament and its workings.

28 The Maltese delegation that attended the inaugural session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in Amman with Mr Pierferdinando Casini, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, meets H.E. Mr Tassos Papadopoulos, President of the Republic of Cyprus.

Inaugural Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

29 (2) Publication

In July, the House of Representatives officially launched the book “Malta’s Parliament’– An Official History” by Professor Godfrey A Pirotta.” Former Member of Parliament Mr Lino Spiteri, President Emeritus H.E. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and the author of the publication, Prof Godfrey A. Pirotta, participated during the launch of the book.

The book is a comprehensive compilation of historical facts giving a broad overview of the legislative and constitutional developments that have evolved throughout the years and shaped the ’s Parliament.

(3) Mini European Assembly

In May, the NSTF Mini European Assembly held its seventeenth final session in the Parliamentary Chamber. This year’s theme was “Refugees – cooperation for resettlement and social integration?”. The main objective of the NSTF Mini European Assembly is to complement the formal education process of post-secondary and tertiary level students through debate on relevant European institutional and current affairs and training in team-work, research, presentations, public speaking and mutual respect.

(4) Ekoskola

In June, some 190 students from 11 different schools participated at this year’s session of the EkoSkola Parliament held in the Parliamentary Chamber on 1st June as part of the Environment Week activities. Ekoskola is an international environmental education programme launched in 1994 by the Foundation for Environmental Education and now includes over 12,000 schools distributed around the world. For this session, the children chose to present their concerns about the environmental issues outlined in the State of the Environment Report 2005. In the motion approved by the schoolchildren at this special session, they appealed to the Members of Parliament to safeguard the welfare of the environment in every decision taken in the House to ensure a good quality environment. A number of Ministers and Members of Parliament from both sides of the House took active part in the session.

(5) Universal Children’s Day

In November, another special parliamentary session was held in the Parliamentary Chamber to mark Universal Children’s Day. The theme chosen for this occasion was “towards a better welfare for children” and seven groups of children presented their thoughts to parliament on how to ameliorate the welfare of children in specific areas including social inclusion, culture, education, play and leisure, IT, environment and family life. The Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, together with a number of Members of Parliament from both sides of the House, participated at this session.

(6) Russian exhibition

In May, the Library at the House of Representatives housed a pictorial and documentary exhibition commemorating the Centenary of the State Duma of the Russian Federation as a legislative body. The exhibition which outlined the historical development and activities of the State Duma in the period 1906-2006, was jointly opened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chargè d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in Malta.

30 (F) OBITUARIES

The House of Representatives paid tribute to three former Speakers who died during the year, namely, Mr Kalcidon Aguis who died on 24th May; Mr Joseph Baldacchino who died on 21st June and Dr Jimmy Farrugia who died on 25th November.

The House also paid tribute to former Members, namely, Mr Paul Carachi, who died on 30th August; Dr Herman Farrugia, who died on 10th November and Dr Emanuel Bonnici, former Minister, who died on 12th September.

The House also expressed its grief for the loss of Mrs Edith Debono Grech, Hon Joe Debono Grech’s wife, who died on 30th January and Mrs Stella Pullicino, Hon George Pullicino’s mother, who died on 12th April.

.

31 Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, with Mr Goran Lennmarker and Mr Spencer Oliver President and Secretary General respectively of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Hon Anton Tabone, Speaker of the House of Representatives, receives Mrs Nino Burjanadze, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia.

Documentation centre and offices at the House of Representatives

32 Members of Parliament 10th Legislature

Speaker of the House of Representatives : Hon Anton Tabone

Nationalist Party (Government) Malta (Opposition)

Abela Anthony Abela Carmelo Agius David Abela Joseph Agius Francis Agius Chris Arrigo Robert Bartolo Evarist Asciak Michael Brincat Joseph Azzopardi Frederick Brincat Leo Azzopardi Jason Buhagiar Charles Borg Tonio Buontempo Stefan Cassar Joseph Cardona Chris Christina Dolores Caruana Justyne D’Amato Helen Chircop Karl Dalli John Coleiro Preca Marie Louise de Marco Mario Cuschieri Joseph Debono Giovanna Dalli Helena Deguara Louis Debono Grech Joseph Falzon Joseph Farrugia Angelo Fenech Antonio Farrugia Michael Frendo Michael Farrugia Noel Galea Censu Galdes Roderick Galea Franco Gulia Gavin Galea Louis Herrera Jose’ Galea Mario Mangion Charles Gatt Austin Mizzi Joe Gonzi Lawrence Parnis Silvio Gonzi Michael Refalo Anton Mifsud Bonnici Antoine Sammut Joseph M Mifsud Bonnici Carmelo Sant Alfred Mugliett Jesmond Vassallo Adrian Puli Clyde Vella George Pullicino George Vella Karmenu Pullicino Orlando Jeffrey Vassallo Edwin Zammit Ninu Zammit Dimech Francis

33 MEETINGS OF THE HON SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

13 January Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Cristian Colteanu, Ambassador of Romania. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Sir Vincent Feane, British High Commissioner. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Tajeddini Baddou, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco.

24 January Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mr Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar, Minister of Justice of the Kingdom of Spain.

27 January Mr Speaker meets H.E. Almoz Khamzayev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Luciano Ozorio Rosa, Ambassador of Brazil.

9 February Mr Speaker meets H.E. Keo Puth Reasmey, Ambassador of Cambodia. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Bayani V Mangibin, Ambassador of Phillipines.

15 February Mr Speaker meets Mr Stephen C. Calleya, Deputy Director at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta.

17 February Mr Speaker opens a Seminar, Women’s Rights in the Mediterranean: Current Issues, organised by the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies. Mr Speaker receives H. E. Mr Valentin S. Vlasov, Ambassador of the Russian Ambassador on his farewell call.

3 March Mr Speaker receives H.E. Dr Alvise Memmo, Ambassador of Italy on his farewell call.

6 March Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mrs Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia.

7 March Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Jan Heidsma, Ambassador of the Netherlands.

17 March Mr Speaker addresses German trainee lawyers from the German Higher Regional Court in Munich.

27 March Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mr Ivaylo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria.

19 April Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Libor Secka, Ambassador of the Czech Republic on his farewell call.

24 April Mr Speaker opens the 37th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association British Islands and the Mediterranean Region Conference. Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mrs Salwa Ayachi Labben, Minister for Women, the Family, Children and the Elderly of Tunisia.

28 April Mr Speaker meets H.E. Alec Aalto, Ambassador of Finland. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Yuji Nakamura, Ambassador of Japan. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Sarunas Adomavicius, Ambassador of Lithuania.

34 5 May Mr Speaker meets H.E. Paolo Andrea Trabalza, Ambassador of Italy. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Nick Archer, British High Commissioner.

8 May Mr Speaker inaugurates the Centenary Exhibition of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

11 May Mr Speaker opens the NSTF Mini-European Assembly. Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mr Pere Rotger i Llabres, Speaker of the Balearic Parliament and his accompanying delegation.

19 May Mr Speaker meets H.E. Andrej Granovsky, Ambassador of the Russian Federation.

26 May Mr Speaker meets H.E. Georgii Chernyavskyi, Ambassador of Ukraine. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mrs Marta Vilardell Coma, Ambassador of Spain

30 May Mr Speaker participates in the Conference of Speakers of Parliaments of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Tallinn, Estonia, following which he travels to Helsinki to attend a special session of the Finnish Parliament on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the 1906 Parliamentary Reform in Finland.

16 June Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mr Georg Merten, Ambassador of Germany on farewell call. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Dr Hussein Ali Hassan, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen.

28 June Mr Speaker meets Mr Mark Hasainov, Mayor of Viskin Volochek from the Tver Region of the Russian Federation.

29 June Mr Speaker participates in the Conference of Speakers of EU national parliaments in Copenhagen.

4 July Mr Speaker meets French parliamentarians participating in the Malta-France Parliamentary Friendship Group.

3 August Mr Speaker receives Mr Victor Scicluna, Chairman of the Maltese Council for Economic and Social Development.

9 September Mr Speaker participates in the inaugural session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean in Amman, Jordan.

19 September Mr Speaker receives French Senators, Mr M. Del Picchia and Mrs Boumediene- Thiery

20 September Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Andres Tomasberg, Ambassador of Estonia. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Alexander Himelfarb, High Commissioner of Canada.

29 September Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Sean O’Huiginn, Ambassador of Ireland. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Rodney Lopez Clemente, Ambassador of Cuba.

35 28 October Mr Speaker pays an official visit to Cyprus

10 November Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Kodjo A Wadee, High Commissioner of Ghana. Mr Speaker meets H. E. Mr Einar Marensius Bull, Ambassador of Norway.

17 November Mr Speaker opens the meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. Mr Speaker receives Mr Goran Lennmarker and Mr Spencer Oliver President and Secretary General respectively of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mr Suleiman El Shahoumi, Secretary of Foreign Affairs at the General People’s Congress of the Libyan Jamahiriya. Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mrs Nino Burjanadze, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia.

19 November Mr Speaker addresses the Mediterranean Forum of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mrs Anne Marie Lizin, President of the Belgian Senate. Mr Speaker receives Ms Colette Avital, Deputy Speaker of the Knesset

22 November Mr Speaker participates in the Western Mediterranean Forum, known also as the Five Plus Five Dialogue in Rabat, Morocco.

12 December Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mr Mohamed Melghani, Ambassador of Tunisia on his farewell call.

14 December Mr Speaker receives H.E. Mr Bechir Tekkari, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Tunisia. Mr Speaker meets Dr Awni Behnan, President of the International Ocean Institute.

22 December Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Vladimir Zavazal, Ambassador of the Czech Republic. Mr Speaker meets H.E. Mr Ousmane Tandia, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali.

36 IX A. Standing Committees

Appointment of Standing Committees. Added by: Res. 198 of 1995

120A. As soon as may be, and in any case not later than one month after the House first meets after any general election, it shall appoint the following Standing Committees:-

(i) The Standing Committee on House Business;

(ii) The Standing Committee on Privileges;

(iii) The Public Accounts Committee;

(iv) The Committee on Foreign and European Affairs; and

(v) The Social Affairs Committee.

Other Standing Committees. Added by: Res. 198 of 1995

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.

37 Standing Committee on House Business. Added by: Res. 198 of 1995

120C. (1) Unless otherwise determined by the House, 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) Alternate 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.

Standing committee on Privileges. Added by: Res. 198 of 1995

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 these 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.

38 (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 provisions of 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 authorised to participate in the proceedings, but he shall in no case have a vote thereat.

The Public Accounts Committee. Added by: Res. 198 of 1995

120E. (1) The Public Accounts Committee 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) to 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) to 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.

(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.

39 Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs. Added by: Res. 198 of 1995 Amended by: Res. 67 of 2003

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:

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;

40 (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 not relate exclusively to the consideration of any proposal for legislation;

(f) any other document relating to European Union matters placed on the Table of the House by any Minister;

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

The Social Affairs Committee. Added by: Res. 198 of 1995

120G. (1) The Social Affairs Committee 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.

41 MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON HOUSE BUSINESS

9 January House Business

18 January Ombudsplan for the year 2006

22 February House Business Request by Hon Marie Louise Coleiro for the Social Affairs Committee to debate the surcharge on electricity and water consumption

17 May House Business

13 June House Business

19 September House Business

29 November House Business Access of journalists in Parliament’s precincts

42 MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

18 January Discussion on the National Audit Report on Risk Management in Government Departments – An Audit Approach Discussion on the Auditor General’s Annual Report for 2004. 7 February Discussion on the Auditor General’s Annual Report for 2004 (cont.). 15 March Discussion on the Auditor General’s Annual Report for 2004 (cont.). 5 April Discussion on a letter received from the Hon Joseph Abela re Koperattiva tat- Tjur Ltd. 3 May Discussion on the Central Bank monetary policy. 9 May Discussion on the Central Bank monetary policy (cont.). 31 May No quorum. 28 June Discussion on the Koperattiva tat-Tjur Ltd (cont.). 18 July Discussion on the Inquiry and Report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station. 19 July Discussion on the Inquiry and Report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station (cont.). 20 July Discussion on the Inquiry and Report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station (cont.). 24 July Discussion on the Inquiry and Report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station (cont.). 25 July Discussion on the Inquiry and Report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station (cont.). 26 July Discussion on the Inquiry and Report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station (cont.). 26 July Discussion on the Inquiry and Report of the Auditor General on the operations of the Voice of the Mediterranean Radio Station (cont.). 23 October Discussion on the Central Bank Monetary Policy. 22 November Discussion on the Central Bank Monetary Policy.

43 MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Date Item on Agenda Guest Speaker Entity 09 January Report on proposed amendments to the Hon Tonio Borg Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap.101) Hon Gavin Gulia 25 January Memorandum on a Communication to the Hon ?ensu Galea Spring European Council: Working together for Jobs and Growth - A New start for the Lisbon Strategy 13 February Knowledge Economy Dr Anthony Theuma 21 February Memorandum on a Proposal for a Mr Francis Borg Recommendation of the European Mr Adrian Tonna Parliament and of the Council on Transnational Mobility within the Community for Education and Training Purposes: European Quality Charter for Mobility 27 February Knowledge Economy Prof Mario Vassallo 13 March Mainstreaming Disability issues in Ms Tanya Barron International Legislation and Policy and in the Ms Annette Laidler Co-ordinators Decision-Making Process Mr Joseph Camilleri Chairman - KNPD 27 March Knowledge Economy Dr Ing Saviour Zammit Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise 03 May Knowledge Economy Mr Victor Scicluna Malta Council for Mr Gordon Cordina Economic and Mr Michael Ferry Social Development

10 May Memorandum on a Green Paper: Hon Louis Deguara Ministry of Health, Improving the Mental Health of Dr Ray Scerri the Elderly and the Population. Towards a Strategy on Dr N Azzopardi Muscat Community Care Mental Health for the European Union Dr John Joseph Borg Memorandum on a Proposal for a Hon Louis Deguara Ministry of Health, Regulation of the European Parliament Dr Ray Scerri the Elderly and and of the Council on Advanced Therapy Dr N Azzopardi Muscat Community Care Medicinal Products and Amending Dr John Joseph Borg Directive 2001/83/EC and Regulation (EC) 726/2004 23 May Knowledge Economy Mr Paul A Attard MCAST Mr Frank Edwards Mr Frederick Fearne 26 June Knowledge Economy Mr Lawrence Micallef BOV 25 July Communication from the Commission to Ms Therese Micallef Ministry of Family the Council, the European Parliament, the Ms Sina Bugeja and Social Solidarity European Economic and Social Mr Mark Mousu Committee and the Committee of the Mr Bryan Magro Regions – Working together, working better: A new framework for the open coordination of social protection and inclusion policies in the European Union

44 Date Item on Agenda Guest Speaker Entity Communication from the Commission to Ms Therese Micallef Ministry of Family the Council, the European Parliament, the Ms Sina Bugeja and Social Solidarity European Economic and Social Mr Mark Mousu Committee and the Committee of the Mr Bryan Magro Regions – Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion Communication from the Commission to Ms Therese Micallef Ministry of Family the Council, the European Parliament, the Ms Sina Bugeja and Social Solidarity European Economic and Social Mr Mark Mousu Committee and the Committee of the Mr Bryan Magro Regions : A Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men 2006 – 2010 09 October Annual Report 2005 – Office of the Ms Sonia Camilleri Commissioner Commissioner for Children of Children 16 October Role of the National Statistics Office in Dr Gordon Cordina Director General, Socio Economic Development NSO 23 October Report from the Commission to the Dr N Azzopardi Muscat Ministry of Health, Council, on the Basis of Member States’ Dr John Cachia the Elderly and Reports on the Implementation of the Dr Michael Borg Community Care Council recommendation (2002/77/EC) on the Prudent Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Human Medicine Amended proposal for a Decision of the Dr N Azzopardi Muscat Ministry of Health, EP and of the Council establishing a s Dr John Cachia the Elderly and econd programme of Community action Dr Michael Borg Community Care in the field of Health (2007-2013) 06 November Knowledge Economy Mr Joseph G Woods Createch 13 November National Strategic Plan on the Family by Mr Sandro Spiteri National Commission the National Commission for the Family Dr George Grech for the Family 27 November EDRC Conference on the Family Mr James Carabott Research Analyst 11 December Proposal for a Directive of the European Mr Francis Attard Ministry of Finance Parliament and of the Council on Ms Diane Sammut improving the portability of Mr Joe Camilleri supplementary pension rights Mr Francis Bajada

45 MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

09 January Meeting with H.E. Dr. Elizabeth Kehrer, Austrian Ambassador, regarding the Austrian Presidency of the European Union.

11 January Examination of the 2006 Work Programme of the Commission with a view to arrive at a list of proposals which the Maltese Parliament wishes to subject to the subsidiarity and proportionality check.

17 January Presentation by the Hon Censu Galea, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications regarding the World Trade Organisation Conference held in Hong Kong between the 13 and 18 December, 2005.

18 January Presentation by Ms. Nathalie Flynn, Adviser to the Minister of Tourism and Culture, about Tourism in the European Union and the European Tourism Forum held in Malta in October, 2005.

26 January Presentation by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Strategic Objectives of Malta’s Foreign Policy, and the Scrutiny of the Communication from the Commission to the Council on the Commission Proposal for action plans under the European Neighbourhood Policy (COM(2004) 795).

08 February Meeting with Prof. Marko Pavliha, Deputy President of the Parliament of the Republic of Slovenia.

Presentation by Members of Parliament who attended the January 2006 Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Presentation by the Hon Mario Galea as EU Observer at the Elections in Palestine.

13 February Presentation by the Hon Michael Frendo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the European Neighbourhood Policy.

15 February Meeting with H.E. Dr. Alvise Memmo, Ambassador of Italy to Malta.

28 February Presentation by the Hon Tonio Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice and Home Affairs on the Council of Ministers Meeting.

08 March Presentation by the Project Development Team of the Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Technology and Innovation (EuroMediti)

15 March Meeting with Dr. , EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, regarding the Green Paper on EU Maritime Policy, Fisheries Partnership Agreements and related matters.

22 March Meeting with Dr. Joanna Drake, Head of the Representation in Malta.

03 April Meeting with the Hon Michael Frendo, Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Agreement between Malta and Tunisia for Joint Oil Exploration and Exploitation Activities on the Continental Shelf between the two Countries.

46 25 April The Future Of Europe.

03 May Meeting with Ms. Danuta Hübner, Commissioner Responsible for Regional Policy of the European Commission.

24 May Presentations by Members of Parliament who attended Parliamentary Meetings abroad.

21 June Presentations by Members of Parliament who attended Parliamentary Meetings abroad.

23 June Meeting with Prof. Josef Bonnici, Member of the European Court of Auditors.

10 July Meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Malta’s Permanent Representative to the European Union to discuss: the Commission Legislative and Work Programme for 2006; the Annual Policy Strategy for 2006 and 2007; the Operational Programme for the Council for 2006 submitted by the Austrian and Finnish Presidencies and the 18-month Presidency Work Plan.

12 July Meeting with a Delegation from The Grand Committee of the Parliament of Finland composed of Jari Vilen MP and Johannes Koskinen MP, Chairman and Member respectively, regarding Irregular Immigration and the European Union.

14 July Meeting with H. E. Pauli Makela, Ambassador of Finland (resident in Rome), on the Priorities of the Work Programme of the Presidency of Finland for July to December 2006.

19 July Meeting with Dr. Joe Borg, Commissioner responsible for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, regarding developments following the launch of the Green Paper on EU Maritime Policy on 7 June 2006.

26 July Address by the Hon Michael Frendo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on Irregular Immigration in the light of the Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development held in Rabat, Morocco, on 10-11 July, 2006, and on the European Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Brussels on 17 July, 2006.

04 October Letter by the President of the European Commission conveying the Decision to forward all Commission documents directly to National Parliaments.

Presentation by the Hon Michael Gonzi and the Hon George Vella regarding the Inaugural Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) held in Amman, Jordan, on the 10 and 11 September, 2006, during which Malta was chosen to host the Executive Secretariat of this Assembly.

24 October Meeting between the Foreign and European Affairs Committee and Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council and Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative or Mubadara.

01 November Address by Dr. Anthony Borg Barthet, Judge at the European Court of Justice, about the Set-up, Functions and Jurisdiction of this Court.

47 08 November Information by the Hon Michael Frendo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on recent activities and initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

15 November Address by the Hon Censu Galea, Minister for Competitiveness and Communications, on the Green Paper on a Future Maritime Policy for the European Union.

17 November Meeting with Mr. Suleiman Elshahumi, Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the General People’s Congress of Libya.

05 December Meeting with H.E. Dr Saad Elshalmani, Ambassador of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to Malta.

14 December Meeting with Mr Bechir Tekkari, Tunisian Minister for Justice and Human Rights.

48 MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION OF BILLS 16 January Land Acquisition (Public Purposes) Amendment Bill (Bill 58) 20 March Securitisation Bill (Bill 60) 22 March Human Blood and Transplants Bill (Bill 62) Rome Convention on contractual Obligation (Ratification) Bill (Bill 61) 03 April Securitisation Bill (Bill 60) 08 May Social Security (Amendment) Bill (Bill 59) 10 May Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill (Bill 64) 15 May Central Registry Bill (Bill 16) 29 May Social Security (Amendment) Bill (Bill 59) 05 June Central Registry Bill (Bill 16) 12 June Employment and Training Services (Amendment) Bill (Bill 66) 14 June Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill (Bill 64) 20 June Insurance Intermediaries Bill (Bill 63) 21 June Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill (Bill 64) 26 June Insurance Intermediaries Bill (Bill 63) 27 June Criminal Code Bill (Bill 69) 03 July Central Registry Bill (Bill 16) 04 July Insurance Intermediaries Bill (Bill 63) Euro Adoption Bill (Bill 70) 10 July Central Registry Bill (Bill 16) 11 July Criminal Code Bill (Bill 69) 12 July Code of organisation and Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill (Bill 64) 17 July Consumer Protection Laws (Amendment) Bill (Bill 65) 18 July Criminal Code Bill (Bill 69) International Carriage of Goods by Road Bill (Bill 71) 24 July Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill (Bill 64) Consumer Protection Laws (Amendment) Bill (Bill 65) 25 July Criminal Code Bill (Bill 69) 26 July Criminal Code Bill (Bill 69) 08 November Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill (Bill 77) 27 November Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (Regulation) Bill (Bill 83)

49 MEETINGS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

12 July Resolution on the Partial Revision of the Structure Plan.

14 July Resolution on the Partial Revision of the Structure Plan (cont.).

17 July Resolution on the Partial Revision of the Structure Plan (cont.).

18 July Resolution on the Partial Revision of the Structure Plan (cont.).

50 MEETINGS OF THE NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

17 January Annual Report and financial statements of the National Audit Office for 2004 and Estimates of the National Audit Office for 2006.

17 July Resolution on the transfer of property (Sale of property at Ta’ Qali to the Government of the USA).

51 PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUPS 10th Legislature

Australia

Hon Hon Joe Mizzi Hon Mario de Marco Hon Joseph Cuschieri Hon Frederick Azzopardi Hon Leo Brincat

Germany

Hon Jason Azzopardi Hon Carmelo Abela Hon Joseph Falzon Hon Evarist Bartolo Hon Michael Gonzi Hon Leo Brincat Hon Michael Asciak Hon Joseph Cuschieri

France

Hon Jason Azzopardi Hon Leo Brincat Hon Mario Galea Hon Evarist Bartolo Hon David Agius Hon Noel Farrugia Hon Joseph Falzon

Italy

Hon Michael Asciak Hon Carmelo Abela Hon John Dalli Hon Evarist Bartolo Hon Mario de Marco Hon Leo Brincat Hon Franco Galea Hon Joseph Cuschieri

Tunisia

Hon David Agius Hon Joseph Abela Hon Mario Galea Hon Chris Agius Hon Robert Arrigo Hon Stefan Buontempo Hon Justyne Caruana

UK

Hon Mario Galea Hon Angelo Farrugia Hon Jason Azzopardi Hon Leo Brincat Hon Joseph Falzon Hon Noel Farrugia

Libya

Hon Jason Azzopardi Hon Leo Brincat Hon Mario Galea Hon Noel Farrugia Hon Michael Gonzi Hon Joseph Abela

Slovenia

Hon John Dalli Hon Carmelo Abela Hon Michael Asciak Hon Leo Brincat Hon Joseph Falzon Hon Joe Mizzi

52