Rapport Annwali 2014

RAPPORT ANNWALI 2014

KAMRA TAD-DEPUTATI PARLAMENT TA’ MALTA

Triq ir-Repubblika Valletta – Malta

Tel: +356 2559 6000

Sit Elettroniku: www.parlament.mt

Mitbugħ fl-Istamperija tal-Gvern

‘Għandu jkun hemm Parlament ta’ Malta li jkun magħmul mill-President u minn Kamra tad-Deputati’. [Artikolu 51 tal-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta]

‘Bla ħsara għad-dispożizzjonijiet ta’ din il-Kostituzzjoni, il-Parlament jista’ jagħmel liġijiet għall-paċi, ordni u gvernar tajjeb ta’ Malta b’mod konformi ma’ rispett sħiħ għad-drittijiet tal-bniedem, il-prinċipji ġeneralment aċċettati tad-dritt internazzjonali u l-obbligi internazzjonali u reġjonali ta’ Malta partikolarment dawk assunti bit-trattat tal-adeżjoni mal-Unjoni Ewropea ffirmat f’Ateni fis-16 ta’ April, 2003’. [Artikolu 65 (1) tal-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta]

WERREJ

1. XOGĦOL TAL-KAMRA...... 11

1.1 Ħarsa Ġenerali ...... 11 1.1.1 Inizjattivi ġodda fil-Parlament matul l-2014 ...... 11 1.1.2 Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Parlament ...... 12 1.2 Programm Leġiżlattiv ...... 12 1.2.1 Leġiżlazzjoni ġdida u l-għanijiet u raġunijiet wara l-Abbozzi ta’ Liġi ...... 12 1.2.2 Atti li jemendaw liġijiet prinċipali u l-għanijiet u raġunijiet wara l-Abbozzi ta’ Liġi ...... 13 1.3 Mistoqsijiet Parlamentari ...... 18 1.4 Stqarrijiet Ministerjali ...... 18 1.5 Petizzjonijiet ...... 19 1.6 Mozzjonijiet ...... 19 1.7 Tqegħid ta’ Karti fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra ...... 21 1.8 Deċiżjonijiet tas-Sedja (Rulings) ...... 21 1.9 Whips Parlamentari ...... 23 1.10 Kap tal-Kamra ...... 23

2. KUMITATI PERMANENTI ...... 25

2.1 Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra ...... 25 2.2 Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi ...... 27 2.2.1 Ksur ta’ Privileġġ imqajjem mill-Prim Ministru kontra l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni28 2.2.2 Ksur ta’ Privileġġ imqajjem mill-Onor. George Pullicino kontra l-Ministru għall-Enerġija u s-Saħħa ...... 28 2.3 Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi ...... 28 2.4 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej ...... 32 2.4.1 Sussidjarjetà u Djalogu Politiku mal-Kummissjoni Ewropea ...... 35 2.4.2 Laqgħat Informali ...... 35 2.4.3 Sottokumitati ...... 35 2.4.4 Laqgħat tal-Gruppi ta’ Ħidma ...... 36 2.5 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali ...... 36 2.6 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja ...... 39 2.7 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji ...... 40 2.8 Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa ...... 41 2.9 Kumitat Permanenti għall-Konsiderazzjoni ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi ...... 43 2.10 Kumitat tal-Kontijiet dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika ...... 46 2.11 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp ...... 47 2.12 Grupp Parlamentari dwar il-Kapitali Ewropea tal-Kultura ...... 49

3. KUMITATI MAGĦŻULA...... 51

3.1 Kumitat Magħżul sabiex jagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet lill-Kamra dwar it-twaqqif ta’ Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju u ta’ Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-iStandards, l-Etika u l-Imġiba Xierqa fil-Ħajja Pubblika ...... 51

4. ATTIVITAJIET INTERNAZZJONALI ...... 52

4.1 Żjarat barra minn Malta u parteċipazzjoni f’fora internazzjonali mill-Ispeaker ...... 52 4.1.1 Żjara Uffiċjali fi New South Wales, l-Awstralja u t-22 Konferenza ta’ Speakers u Presiding Officers tal-Commonwealth, Wellington, New Zealand ...... 52 4.1.2 Parteċipazzjoni fiċ-ċerimonja ta’ ċelebrazzjoni tal-adozzjoni tal-Kostituzzjoni Tuneżina, it-Tuneżija...... 52 4.1.3 Żjara uffiċjali f’Tbilisi, Ġeorġja ...... 53 4.1.4 Konferenza Internazzjonali ‘What Europe stands for – Growth, jobs and rights: will the European Union rise to the occasion?’ ...... 53 4.1.5 Simposju Internazzjonali tal-2014 dwar id-Diplomazija Kulturali u r-Reliġjon, Ruma, l-Italja ...... 54 4.1.6 Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Parlamenti tal-Unjoni Ewropea f’Vilnius, il- Litwanja ...... 54 4.1.7 Konferenza fuq it-tisħiħ tal-kapaċità ta’ membri parlamentari, imħallfin, u prosekuturi biex jipprevenu l-korruzzjoni fost il-karigi tagħhom: tendenzi emerġenti wara sentejn minn GRECO Round IV Evaluations, Vjenna, l-Awstrija ...... 54 4.1.8 Ċelebrazzjonijiet tal-25 Anniversarju mill-ewwel elezzjonijiet ħielsa li saru fil- Polonja wara l-1945, Varsavja, il-Polonja ...... 54 4.1.9 Quddiesa tal-Kanonizzazzjoni mmexxija mill-Papa Franġisku ...... 55 4.1.10 Konferenza organizzata mill-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Palazzolo Acreide, Sqallija ... 55 4.1.11 Il-11-il Workshop of Parliamentary Scholars and Parliamentarians, Wroxton, Renju Unit ...... 55 4.1.12 Il-11-il Laqgħa Ġenerali tal-Koalizzjoni ta’ Parlamentari internazzjonali għar-Refuġjati tal-Korea ta’ Fuq u Drittijiet Umani (IPCNKR), f’Bukarest, ir- Rumanija ...... 56 4.1.13 Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Parlamenti Ewropej, Oslo, Norveġja...... 56 4.1.14 Forum Parlamentari dwar l-Intelliġenza, Washington, l-Amerika ...... 57 4.1.15 Id-IX Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Pajjiżi ż-Żgħar Ewropej, Andorra ...... 57 4.1.16 Is-60 Konferenza Annwali tal-Commonwealth u l-34 Konferenza tal-Fergħat iż-Żgħar ta’ Pajjiżi fil-Commonwealth organizzata mill-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth (CPA), f’Yaoundé, il-Kamerun ...... 58 4.1.17 Żjara fl-Arabja Sawdija ...... 58 4.1.18 Parteċipazzjoni fis-66 Laqgħa Plenarja tal-GRECO ...... 58 4.2 Żjarat Barra minn Malta minn Delegazzjonijiet Parlamentari ...... 59 4.2.1 Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej ...... 59 4.2.2 Laqgħat organizzati mill-Parlament Ewropew u mill-pajjiż li jkollu l-Presidenza tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea ...... 59 4.2.3 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa ...... 60 4.2.4 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Mediterran ...... 63 4.2.5 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran ...... 65 4.2.6 L-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth ...... 66 4.2.7 L-Unjoni Interparlamentari ...... 67 4.2.8 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Organizzazzjoni għas-Sigurtà u Kooperazzjoni fl-Ewropa ...... 68 4.2.9 Laqgħat Oħra ...... 69 4.3 Żjarat u Konferenzi organizzati mill-Parlament ta’ Malta ...... 70 4.3.1 Żjara Uffiċjali tal-Viċi President tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea ...... 70 4.3.2 Żjara Uffiċjali tal-President tar-Repubblika Ellenika ...... 70 4.3.3 Laqgħa tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ tal-PACE ...... 71 4.3.4 Żjara Uffiċjali mill-President tal-Kumitat Eżekuttiv tal-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth (CPA) ...... 71 4.3.5 Żjara Uffiċjali minn delegazzjoni mill-Grupp Parlamentari ta’ Ħbiberija Iżrael-Malta ...... 71 4.3.6 Żjara minn delegazzjoni tal-Bundestag Ġermaniż ...... 72 4.3.7 Żjara ta’ korteżija minn delegazzjoni mill-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kungress Provinċjali ta’ Hubei fiċ-Ċina ...... 72

5. ASSOĊJAZZJONI TA’ EX MEMBRI PARLAMENTARI ...... 73

6. ATTIVITAJIET OĦRA ...... 74 6.1 Pubblikazzjoni “Is-Sedja Titkellem” ...... 74 6.2 Ħatra tal-President ta’ Malta ...... 74 6.3 EkoSkola ...... 74 6.4 NSTF Mini European Assembly ...... 74 6.5 Diskors fl-okkażjoni tas-Sette Giugno ...... 75 6.6 Jum l-Ewropa ...... 75 6.7 Parlament Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ ...... 76 6.8 Science in the House ...... 76 6.9 Notte Bianca...... 76 6.10 Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport tal-Grupp ta’ Ħidma fuq id-Dijabete ...... 77 6.11 Konferenza dwar il-Parteċipazzjoni tan-Nisa fil-Politika f’Malta ...... 77 6.12 Tnedija tal-ktieb ‘Nidħqu bina nfusna – politika bi tbissima’ ...... 77 6.13 Parlament għal Persuni b’Diżabilità ...... 77 6.14 Għotja tal-Awguri għas-Sena l-Ġdida ...... 78

7. KONDOLJANZI ...... 79

MEMBRI PARLAMENTARI ...... 85

ATTIVITAJIET TAL-ISPEAKER TAL-KAMRA TAD-DEPUTATI ...... 86

DAĦLA

Għandi l-pjaċir li nippreżentalkom it-tieni Rapport Annwali tal-Kamra tad-Deputati mħejji matul din it-12-il Leġiżlatura.

Is-sena 2014 kienet sena oħra impenjattiva għall-Kamra fejn minbarra li sar ammont konsiderevoli ta’ xogħol leġiżlattiv, inżammu wkoll għadd ta’ laqgħat tal-kumitati li wħud minnhom iltaqgħu fuq bażi regolari. Fuq din in-nota, sodisfatt nirreġistra illi fl-24 Marzu 2014 poġġejt fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra rapport tal-Kumitat Magħżul dwar l-istandards, l-etika u l-imġiba xierqa fil-ħajja pubblika. Ir-rapport tal-Kumitat Magħżul, li jiena ippresedejt, kien jinkludi abbozz ta’ liġi dwar it-twaqqif ta’ Uffiċċju ta’ Kummissarju u Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Istandards fil-Ħajja Pubblika. Minn dakinhar l-Abbozz relattiv ġie ppubblikat u qed jistenna li tinbeda d-diskussjoni fi stadju ta’ Tieni Qari fil-Kamra.

Nhar il-21 ta’ Mejju 2014 poġġejt fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra rapport ippreparat minn kummissjoni interna, ippreseduta minni, dwar l-awtonomija amministrattiva tal-Parlament. Ir-rapport jinkludi abbozz ta’ liġi li permezz tiegħu l-Kummissjoni ħasset li din l-awtonomija tista’ tiġi fis-seħħ. Minn dakinhar l-Abbozz relattiv ġie ppubblikat u d-dibattitu fl-istadju ta’ Tieni Qari fil-Kamra miexi ġmielu. Inħoss li dan se jkun il-pass importanti li jmiss fl-evoluzzjoni demokratika ta’ dan il-Parlament, u l-fatt li ż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra qed jappoġġjaw dan l-Abbozz huwa fih innifsu inkoraġġanti ħafna.

Fl-2014 konna wkoll impenjati bil-preparazzjonijiet meħtieġa sabiex tkun tista’ ssir il-migrazzjoni tal-Parlament lejn il-binja l-ġdida. Ikolli nammetti illi ltqajna ma’ numru ta’ diffikultajiet li għamlu din il-mixja waħda diffiċli; madankollu, bl-impenn u s-sens ta’ kooperazzjoni ta’ dawk kollha involuti, din il-migrazzjoni finalment seħħet f’Mejju 2015. Dan il-pass kien wieħed sinifikanti għal diversi raġunijiet: il-Parlament għandu issa binja unikament tiegħu intiża biex isservi biss il-bżonnijiet tal-istess Parlament. Barra minn hekk, din il-mixja ppermettiet li jkunu installati l-faċilitajiet neċessarji sabiex il-laqgħat kollha tal-Parlament, kemm dawk fil-Plenarja u dawk tal-kumitati, ikunu mxandra fuq stazzjon tat-televiżjoni, realtà li mmaterjalizzat ruħha sa mill-ewwel seduta fil-binja l-ġdida.

Inħares lura lejn is-sena 2014 b’sens kbir ta’ sodisfazzjon minn dawn il-kisbiet u nawgura li dan ix-xogħol sfiq jitkompla fix-xhur li ġejjin.

ANĠLU FARRUGIA Speaker

1. XOGĦOL TAL-KAMRA

1.1 Ħarsa Ġenerali

Kif jidher mill-informazzjoni li tinstab f’dan ir-rapport, is-sena 2014 kienet sena oħra impenjattiva għall-Kamra tad-Deputati ta’ Malta u l-Membri tagħha. Ir-rapport tal-attivitajiet tas-sena jenfasizza l- funzjonijiet leġiżlattivi u ta’ skrutinju tradizzjonali tal-Kamra, kif ukoll il-funzjonijiet ta’ diplomazija parlamentari, rwol li qiegħed jiżviluppa b’mod kostanti minn sena għall-oħra, b’mod partikolari fil-qasam tal-kooperazzjoni interparlamentari fl-affarijiet tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

Din is-sena, il-Kamra, f’seduta speċjali li saret fl-4 ta’ April fis-Sala tat-Tron ġewwa l-Palazz tal-Granmastri, approvat b’mod unanimu l-elezzjoni tal-ex Ministru għall-Familja u Solidarjetà Soċjali, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, bħala President tar-Repubblika ta’ Malta. B’hekk, l-Sra. Coleiro Preca saret il-11-il President li qed isservi lil Malta mill-1974 ʼil hawn, meta Malta saret Repubblika. Dan wassal għall-ewwel bidla ta’ din is-sena, fil-kompożizzjoni tal-Parlament bit-tieni bidla sseħħ f’Ottubru meta l-ex Ministru għat-Turiżmu Karmenu Vella rriżenja mill-Kamra sabiex isir ir-rappreżentant ta’ Malta fil-Kummissjoni Ewropea.

1.1.1 Inizjattivi ġodda fil-Parlament matul l-2014

Fl-2014 ittieħdu numru ta’ inizjattivi ġodda mill-Kamra:

 Flimkien mal-pubblikazzjoni trimestrali mill-Parlament li tnediet fil-bidu ta’ din il-Leġiżlatura, l-Uffiċċju tal-Ispeaker ippubblika wkoll l-ewwel żewġ volumi tal-pubblikazzjoni Is-Sedja Titkellem li tiġbor id-deċiżjonijiet meħuda mis-Sedja.

 Wara li l-Kamra unanimament approvat il-Mozzjoni Nru 106 mressqa mill-membru tal-Oppożizzjoni l-Onor. Claudio Grech fit-12 ta’ Marzu, twaqqaf kumitat permanenti ġdid, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa, li kellu jkun ippresedut mill-Onor. Etienne Grech.

 Fl-24 ta’ Marzu, l-Ispeaker qiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra r-rapport finali tal-Kumitat Magħżul dwar l-iStandards, l-Etika u l-Imġiba Xierqa fil-Ħajja Pubblika. Dan ir-rapport jesiġi li jitwaqqaf Kummissarju u Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Ħajja Pubblika. L-Abbozz ta’ Liġi f’dan ir-rigward ġie ppubblikat fil-15 ta’ Lulju 2014.

 Fil-21 ta’ Mejju, l-Ispeaker qiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra rapport tal-Kummissjoni dwar l-Awtonomija Amministrattiva tal-Parlament Malti, flimkien ma’ abbozz ta’ liġi li jġib din l-awtonomija fis-seħħ.

 Bl-approvazzjoni tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia laħaq ftehim ma’ wieħed mill-fornituri ewlenin tax-xandir televiżiv f’Malta sabiex jibda jxandar live id-dibattiti parlamentari permezz ta’ video streaming, ladarba l-Parlament jimxi għall-binja l-ġdida tiegħu fid-daħla tal-Belt Valletta.

 Fil-31 ta’ Diċembru 2014, minbarra l-iskambji ta’ awguri tradizzjonali għas-sena l-ġdida fl-uffiċċji tal-President, tal-Prim Ministru, tal-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u anke tal-awtoritajiet ekkleżjastiċi, l-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, flimkien mad-Deputy Speaker l-Onor. Ċensu Galea u d-Deputy Whips l-Onor. Deborah Schembri u l-Onor. Frederick Azzopardi, laqgħu rappreżentanti tal-korpi kostitwiti, tas-soċjetà ċivili u l-pubbliku inġenerali.

1.1.2 Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Parlament

Fl-2014, il-kompożizzjoni tal-Kamra nbidlet darbtejn:

 Fis-seduta tal-1 ta’ April, l-ex Ministru għall-Familja u Solidarjetà Soċjali, l-Onor. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, ippreżentat l-ittra tar-riżenja tagħha minn Membru tal-Kamra tad- Deputati. F’dik l-istess seduta, il-Kamra approvat unanimament mozzjoni ta’ ringrazzjament lil Dr George Abela għas-servizz tiegħu bħala President tar-Repubblika u approvat unanimament ukoll mozzjoni dwar in-nomina tas-Sra. Coleiro Preca għall-kariga ta’ President tar-Repubblika. Ir-riżenja tal-Onor. Coleiro Preca wasslet għal vakanza fis-Sitt Distrett Elettorali, bl-elezzjoni każwali biex jimtela dan il-post tinżamm fil-15 ta’ April. F’din l- elezzjoni każwali ġie elett in-Nutar Charles Mangion li ħa l-ġurament bħala Membru tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, l-għada, is-16 ta’ April.

 Fis-27 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Karmenu Vella ppreżenta r-riżenja tiegħu minn Membru tal-Kamra tad-Deputati sabiex isir il-Kummissarju Ewropew għall-Ambjent, is-Sajd u l-Affarijiet Marittimi. Din ir-riżenja rriżultat f’vakanza fil-Ħames Distrett Elettorali bl- elezzjoni każwali biex jimtela dan il-post tinżamm fis-6 ta’ Novembru. F’din l-elezzjoni każwali ġie elett is-Sur Joseph Farrugia li ħa l-ġurament bħala Membru tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fis-seduta tal-10 ta’ Novembru.

1.2 Programm Leġiżlattiv

Matul l-2014, il-Parlament għadda 43 Att tal-Parlament, tmienja minnhom kienu Atti ġodda waqt li l-35 l-oħra kienu Atti li jemendaw liġijiet prinċipali diġà fis-seħħ.

1.2.1 Leġiżlazzjoni ġdida u l-għanijiet u raġunijiet wara l-Abbozzi ta’ Liġi

Att IX tal-2014 – Att dwar l-Unjonijiet Ċivili

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma l-introduzzjoni tad-dritt lill-persuni, kemm jekk tal-istess sess jew ta’ sess oppost, li jidħlu f’unjoni ċivili. Il-prinċipju sottostanti ta’ dan l-Att hu li jekwipara l-unjonijiet ċivili u ż-żwieġ mil-lat ta’ proċedura u sustanza b’mod li jiggarantixxi drittijiet ugwali lil imsieħba f’unjoni ċivili hekk kif inhi garantita lill-konjuġi fiż-żwieġ.

L-approċċ tal-ugwaljanza għandu jiggarantixxi t-tgawdija ta’ drittijiet u obbligi ugwali f’kull qasam tal-liġi u l-ħajja soċjali.

Att XIX tal-2014 – http://www.parlament.mt/file.aspx?f=45051Att dwar ir-Ratifika tal-Konvenzjoni tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa dwar il-Prevenzjoni u l-Ġlieda kontra l-Vjolenza fir-rigward tan-Nisa u l-Vjolenza Domestika

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu biex Malta tkun tista’ tirratifika l-Konvenzjoni dwar il-Prevenzjoni u l-Ġlieda kontra l-Vjolenza fir-rigward tan-Nisa u l-Vjolenza Domestika, u għal ħwejjeġ anċillari jew li għandhom x’jaqsmu magħha.

Att XX tal-2014 – Att dwar il-Professjoni tax-Xogħol maż-Żgħażagħ

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu biex jiġi stabbilit il-Bord dwar il-Professjoni tax-Xogħol maż-Żgħażagħ f’Malta, billi jistabbilixxi l-għamla, il-funzjonijiet u l-proċeduri tal-laqgħat tiegħu, kif ukoll biex jirregola x-xogħol maż-żgħażagħ, billi jistabbilixxi kodiċijiet ta’ mġiba u piena għall-ksur tagħhom.

Att XXVII tal-2014 – Att dwar ir-Responsabilità Fiskali

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma sabiex jipprovdu li jkun hemm liġi dwar ir-responsabilità fiskali, sabiex jitwaqqaf Kunsill Fiskali, u għal ħwejjeġ anċillari jew li għandhom x’jaqsmu ma’ dan.

Att XXVIII tal-2014 – Att dwar il-Blata Kontinentali

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huwa li jġib l-Att dwar il-Blata Kontinentali (Kap. 194) konformi mal-Konvenzjoni tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti fuq il-Liġi tal-Baħar (UNCLOS) tal-1982 u biex iħassar l-Att permezz ta’ arranġament tranżitorju.

Att XXXIV tal-2014 – Att dwar it-Trasferiment tal-Attiv, id-Drittijiet, id-Debiti u l-Obbligi tal-Enemalta

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jipprovdi għat-trasferiment tal-attiv, drittijiet, debiti u obbligi kollha tal-Korporazzjoni Enemalta lil Enemalta plc, biex jirregola l-funzjonijiet ta’ operaturi ta’ sistema ta’ distribuzzjoni, biex iħassar l-Att dwar l-Enemalta u biex jipprovdi għal ħwejjeġ anċillari jew konnessi ma’ dan.

Att XXXIX tal-2014 – Att dwar l-Approprjazzjoni (2015)

Dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi jipprovdi għall-approprjazzjoni ta’ somma ta’ mhux iżjed minn €2,539,983,333 għas-servizz tas-sena finanzjarja 2015 għall-infiq taħt il-Voti li jidhru fl-Iskeda li tinsab ma’ dan l-Abbozz.

Att XL tal-2014 – Att dwar it-Tieni Approprjazzjoni (2014)

Dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi jipprovdi għall-approprjazzjoni ta’ somma ta’ mhux iżjed minn €226,587,973 għas-servizz tas-sena finanzjarja 2014 għall-infiq taħt il-Voti li jidhru fl-Ewwel Skeda li tinsab ma’ dan l-Abbozz minbarra s-somma ta’ €2,277,897,692 approprjata bl-Att XVI tal-2013 u għall-approprjazzjoni ta’ somma oħra ta’ €27 għas-servizz tas-sena finanzjarja 2014 bi ħlas lura ta’ somma ekwivalenti rtirata mill-Fond ta’ Kontinġenzi matul is-sena finanzjarja 2014 taħt il-Voti speċifikati fit-Tieni Skeda li tinsab ma’ dan l-Abbozz.

1.2.2 Atti li jemendaw liġijiet prinċipali u l-għanijiet u raġunijiet wara l-Abbozzi ta’ Liġi

Att I tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu sabiex jipprovdi għar-reati ta’ mutilazzjoni tal-organi ġenitali ta’ mara, sterilizzazzjoni furzata u żwieġ furzat.

Att II tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 2)

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu sabiex ikun hemm dispożizzjoni dwar it-telfa tal-awtorità tal-ġenituri fuq l-ulied.

Att III tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 3)

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jiġu emendati d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Kodiċi Kriminali li jirrigwardaw l-eżenzjoni mir-responsabilità kriminali ta’ minuri taħt l-erbatax-il sena u minuri taħt is-sittax-il sena li jaġixxu mingħajr ħażen, u d-dispożizzjonijiet dwar il-moderazzjoni meta ħaddieħor qed jiġi mwiddeb.

Att IV tal-2014 – Att li jemenda Diversi Liġijiet li jirrigwardaw Materji Kriminali

L-għanijiet u raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex ikun hemm proċeduri mħeffa f’każijiet ta’ ammissjoni, biex jittrasponi d-Direttiva 2010/64/EU tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tal-20 ta’ Ottubru 2010 dwar id-dritt għall-interpretazzjoni u traduzzjoni fi proċeduri kriminali, biex jittrasponi d-Direttiva 2011/92/EU tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-13 ta’ Diċembru 2011 fuq il-ġlieda kontra l-abbuż sesswali, l-isfruttar sesswali tat-tfal u l-pornografija tat-tfal, biex jittrasponi d-Direttiva 2012/13/EU tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-22 ta’ Mejju 2012 fuq id-dritt ta’ informazzjoni fi proċeduri kriminali, u, fil-każ tal-emendi proposti fit-Taqsima IV tal-Abbozz, għal fini li l-programm ta’ ħarsien ta’ xhieda taħt l-Att dwar il-Pulizija jsir iżjed effettiv.

Att V tal-2014 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jkompli jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 4)

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huwa li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali billi jżid il-pieni f’każ ta’ inġurji jew theddid kontra uffiċjali pubbliċi jew offiżi fuq il-persuna tagħhom.

Att VI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Konsumatur

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Konsumatur u jħassar l-Att dwar Deskrizzjonijiet Kummerċjali sabiex it-traspożizzjoni tad-Direttiva dwar Prattiċi Kummerċjali Żleali (2005/29/KE) tkun kompletament konformi mal-istess Direttiva.

Att VII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta u Diversi Liġijiet dwar l-Elezzjoni

L-għanijiet u raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma l-allinjament tal-artikoli 54(1)(f) u 58(b) tal-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta sabiex jitneħħa xi dubju u l-għemil ta’ diversi dispożizzjonijiet fir-rigward ta’ votazzjonijiet minn persuni residenti fi sptarijiet u fi djar tal-anzjani.

Att VIII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Liġijiet tal-Komunikazzjonijiet

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jiġu emendati tliet liġijiet dwar is-setturi tal-komunikazzjonijiet postali u elettroniċi, kemm biex itejbu l-organizzazzjoni u l-immaniġġar tal-awtoritajiet pubbliċi involuti u kemm biex jipprovdu għall-implimentazzjoni ta’ żviluppi fis-setturi inklużi l-obbligi ta’ Malta lejn il-Komunità.

Att X tal-2014 – Att sabiex jemenda l-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ liġi huwa sabiex jemenda l-artikolu 45 tal-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta, Kapitolu IV, Drittijiet u Libertajiet Fundamentali tal-Individwu, dispożizzjoni li tagħti protezzjoni kontra d-diskriminazzjoni.

L-emenda tintroduċi b’mod immedjat protezzjoni minn diskriminazzjoni fuq bażi ta’ orjentazzjoni sesswali sabiex b’hekk ebda liġi ma tagħmel xi dispożizzjoni li tkun diskriminatorja sew fiha nnifisha jew fl-effett tagħha, u ħadd ma jiġi trattat b’mod diskriminatorju minn xi persuna li taġixxi bis-saħħa ta’ xi liġi miktuba jew fil-qadi tal-funzjonijiet ta’ xi kariga pubblika jew xi awtorità pubblika abbażi tal-orjentazzjoni sesswali tiegħu. Din l-emenda hija mistennija tipprovdi protezzjoni minn diskriminazzjoni f’oqsma differenti tal-liġi u fil-varji esperjenzi tal-ħajja ta’ persuna. L-introduzzjoni ta’ protezzjoni fil-Kostituzzjoni tkompli ssaħħaħ l-impenn tal-Parlament f’dan il-qasam; impenn li beda bl-introduzzjoni ta’ protezzjoni minn diskriminazzjoni taħt l-Att dwar l-Impjiegi u r-Relazzjonijiet Industrijali, l-Att dwar l-Ugwaljanza għall-Irġiel u Nisa u liġijiet sussidjarji magħmula taħthom, kif ukoll ir-rikonoxximent bħala reat kriminali ta’ aġir omofobiku fil-Kodiċi Kriminali.

Huwa mistenni li din l-emenda tkun mezz ta’ rimedju għal vittmi ta’ diskriminazzjoni f’oqsma li llum ma jinkludux obbligu ta’ ugwaljanza abbażi ta’ orjentazzjoni sesswali. Dawn l-oqsma l-oħra jinkludu fosthom il-qasam tas-saħħa, edukazzjoni, integrità tal-persuna u ħajja privata.

L-emenda żżomm id-diskrezzjoni tal-Istat li jilleġiżla u jirregola ħwejjeġ ta’ liġi personali u għalhekk ma tipprovdix għal żwieġ bejn persuni tal-istess sess. Ir-regolamentazzjoni ta’ dan il-qasam tal-liġi huwa wieħed li jiddependi ħafna fuq konnotazzjonijiet soċjali u kulturali li għandhom għeruq fondi fis-soċjetà Maltija u li jirrigwardaw id-dritt għaż-żwieġ li sal-lum ma jinkludix fih dritt għal żwieġ bejn koppja tal-istess sess.

L-emenda wkoll iġġib il-protezzjoni minn diskriminazzjoni fil-Kostituzzjoni eqreb lejn dik il-protezzjoni provduta fil-Konvenzjoni Ewropea għall-Protezzjoni tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem u tal-Libertajiet Fundamentali u fil-Karta tad-Drittijiet Fundamentali tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Din il-protezzjoni ssir ukoll inforzabbli mill-qrati u tagħti l-poter lil vittmi sabiex ifittxu rimedju.

Att XI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar Trusts u Trustees

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex isaħħu dejjem aktar ir-reġim regolatorju li diġà hemm għal trusts u trustees kif ukoll biex jiċċara xi dispożizzjonijiet tal-Att dwar Trusts u Trustees li taw lok għal interpretazzjonijiet mhux daqstant korretti.

Att XII tal-2014 – Att li jimplimenta Miżuri tal-Estimi

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jiġu implimentati diversi miżuri tal-Estimi u miżuri amministrattivi oħra.

Att XIII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Forzi Armati ta’ Malta

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma sabiex tiġi mħassra kull referenza għal reklutaġġ taħt it-tmintax-il sena.

Att XIV tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar is-Sigurtà fl-Ajruportijiet u fl-Avjazzjoni Ċivili

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu sabiex tinbidel in-nomenklatura ta’ Manager tas-Sigurtà fl-Ajruport għal dik ta’ Kap tas-Sigurtà fl-Avjazzjoni biex tirrifletti l-funzjonijiet attwalment imwettqa fil-kamp tas-sigurtà fl-avjazzjoni.

Att XV tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Karta tal-Identità u Dokumenti oħra tal-Identità

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma primarjament biex jirrevedu numru ta’ dispożizzjonijiet fl-Att sabiex tkun evitata diskriminazzjoni kontra żewġ kategoriji ta’ ċittadini: emigranti li jirritornaw li l-użu tal-karta tal-identità tagħhom bħala dokument tal-ivvjaġġar kienet qiegħda tiġi miċħuda għall-ewwel sitt xhur ta’ residenza (billi dan ma kienx japplika fil-każijiet l-oħra kollha) u ċittadini li ma jkunux f’pożizzjoni li jirreġistraw l-Att ta’ Twelid tagħhom fir-Reġistru Pubbliku (u għalhekk ma jkunux jistgħu japplikaw għal dokument ta’ Identità għaliex in-numru tad-dokument tal-identità kien marbut esklussivament man-Numru tar-Reġistru Pubbliku). Emenda waħda addizzjonali tikkjarifika li l-indirizz li għandu jiġi reġistrat fid-dokument ta’ Identità għandu jinsab fil-Gżejjer Maltin.

Att XVI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Kunsilli Lokali

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma li jingħata d-dritt tal-vot fl-elezzjonijiet tal-2015 ʼil quddiem tal-Kunsilli Lokali u tal-Kumitati Amministrattivi tal-Komunitajiet lil dawk il-persuni li jkunu għalqu l-età ta’ sittax-il sena.

Att XVII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar Elezzjonijiet Ġenerali

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma li ssir dispożizzjoni sabiex jipprovdi għar-reġistrazzjoni ta’ eletturi li jkunu persuni li jkunu għalqu l-età ta’ sittax-il sena.

Att XVIII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Ugwaljanza għall-Irġiel u n-Nisa

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu sabiex jemenda l-artikolu 19(2) tal-Att dwar l-Ugwaljanza għall-Irġiel u n-Nisa fir-rigward tal-piż tal-prova fi proċedimenti ċivili, bil-għan li jiġi traspost l-artikolu 19 tad-Direttiva 2006/54/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar l-implimentazzjoni tal-prinċipju ta’ opportunitajiet ugwali u trattament ugwali ta’ rġiel u nisa fi kwistjonijiet ta’ impieg u okkupazzjoni.

Att XXI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar iż-Żwieġ

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jiġi aġġornat l-Att dwar iż-Żwieġ bħala konsegwenza tat-Tielet Protokoll Addizzjonali għall-Ftehim bejn is-Santa Sede u Malta dwar l-Għarfien tal-Effetti Ċivili ta’ Żwiġijiet Kanoniċi u tad-Deċiżjonijiet tal-Awtoritajiet u Tribunali Ekkleżjastiċi dwar l-Istess Żwiġijiet, iffirmat bejn is-Santa Sede u r-Repubblika ta’ Malta.

Att XXII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar Servizzi ta’ Investiment

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huwa biex jittrasponi ċertu dispożizzjonijiet tad-Direttiva 2013/36/UE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tas-26 ta’ Ġunju 2013 dwar l-aċċess għall-attività ta’ istituzzjonijiet ta’ kreditu u s-superviżjoni prudenti ta’ istituzzjonijiet ta’ kreditu u ditti ta’ investment, li temenda d-Direttiva 2002/87/KE u li tħassar id-Direttivi 2006/48/KE u 2006/49/KE.

Att XXIII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Kummissarju tat-Taxxi

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huwa li jistabbilixxi l-Bord għar-Remissjoni tal-Imgħax sabiex jagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet lill-Kummissarju fir-rigward ta’ kwalunkwe applikazzjoni magħmula minn xi persuna taħt xi regolament li jista’, minn żmien għal żmien, ikun magħmul taħt l-atti dwar it-taxxa u li jipprovdi għall-ħelsien ta’ kwalunkwe ammont dovut lil dipartiment tat-taxxa taħt l-atti dwar it-taxxa. L-Abbozz ta’ Liġi jipprovdi wkoll għall-kompożizzjoni ta’ dan il-Bord u ż-żamma tal-kariga tal-membri tiegħu.

Att XXIV tal-2014 – Att li jemenda Diversi Liġijiet li jirrigwardaw Materji Kriminali (Emenda Nru 2)

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jiġu implimentati d-dispożizzjonijiet tad-Deċiżjoni Qafas tal-Kunsill 2008/675/ĠAI dwar il-konsiderazzjoni ta’ kundanni fi Stati Membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea waqt proċeduri kriminali ġodda, biex timplimenta d-dispożizzjonijiet tad-Deċiżjoni Kwadru tal-Kunsill 2008/841/ĠAI dwar il-ġlieda kontra l-kriminalità organizzata, biex timplimenta d-Deċiżjoni tal-Kunsill 2008/615/ĠAI dwar it-titjib tal-kooperazzjoni transkonfinali, b’mod partikolari fil-ġlieda kontra t-terroriżmu u l-kriminalità transkonfinali.

Barra minn hekk, qegħdin jiġu introdotti emendi ta’ diversi liġijiet biex b’hekk il-prosekuzzjoni tkun tista’ tikklassifika l-gravità ta’ ċertu reati u taċċerta lill-qorti fuq liema kriterji għandhom jiġu mressqa persuni akkużati għall-finijiet li jiġu pprovduti linji gwida dwar il-mod kif dawn għandhom jiġu kklassifikati, tingħata wkoll opportunità lill-akkużat biex jagħmel stħarriġ ġudizzjarju ta’ dik il-klassifikazzjoni u biex il-qorti tingħata poter li tapplika pieni ta’ skala inqas minkejja l-fatt li hemm dik il-klassifikazzjoni. L-Abbozz jemenda wkoll l-Ordinanza dwar iċ-Ċertifikati tal-Kondotta bil-għan li jsiru dispożizzjonijiet in konformi maċ-ċirkostanzi li d-dikjarazzjoni tal-Formola Ċ tista’ tkun imfittxija u li tipprovdi għar-reati li jkunu saru għall-ewwel darba.

Att XXV tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Kodiċi Ċivili

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu biex jipprovdi għal Reġistru ta’ Unjonijiet Ċivili, biex jipprovdi li tingħata s-setgħa lill-Ministru responsabbli għar-Reġistru Pubbliku biex jagħmel regolamenti sabiex iżid formuli ġodda jew jemenda jew jimmodifika xi waħda mill-formuli li jinsabu fit-Taqsima II tal-Ewwel Skeda li tinsab fil-Kodiċi u biex iżid il-Formula KK ġdida.

Att XXVI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Interpretazzjoni

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi jikkonsistu fl-għemil ta’ emendi għal liġijiet diversi li jipprovdu għall-proċedura ta’ riżoluzzjoni negattiva għar-revoka ta’, u biex tiġi emendata, leġiżlazzjoni sussidjarja sabiex ikun hemm aktar flessibilità fil-kalendarju Parlamentari fir-rigward tad-diskussjoni u l-votazzjoni fuq mozzjonijiet biex tiġi kkontestata leġiżlazzjoni sussidjarja.

Att XXIX tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Ibħra Territorjali u ż-Żona Kontigwa

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huwa li jġib l-Att dwar l-Ibħra Territorjali u Ż-Żona Kontigwa (Kap. 226) konformi mal-Konvenzjoni tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti fuq il-Liġi tal-Baħar (UNCLOS) tal-1982.

Att XXX tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Privattivi Industrijali u d-Disinni

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu biex jipprovdi għall-introduzzjoni ta’ skeda ta’ invenzjonijiet li jistgħu jkunu protetti f’Malta jew taħt it-Trattat fuq Kooperazzjoni dwar Privattivi jew taħt il-Konvenzjoni dwar il-Privattivi Ewropea, għat-twaqqif ta’ Tribunal dwar il-Privattivi, il-kompożizzjoni u l-funzjonijiet tiegħu, kif ukoll għall-possibilità li wieħed japplika għal revoka ta’ privattiva u talbiet għall-prijorità quddiem il-Kontrollur.

Att XXXI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 5)

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jiddaħħlu fil-Kodiċi Kriminali pieni aktar ħorox għal min jabbuża jew juża vjolenza fuq anzjani u persuni vulnerabbli.

Att XXXII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar ix-Xandir

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma li jassiguraw li l-libertà li xxandar u li tirċievi xandir u l-libertà ta’ riċezzjoni u l-libertà ta’ ritrasmissjoni jkunu mħarsa skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tad-Direttiva għas-Servizzi tal-Media Awdjoviżiva (Direttiva 2010/13/UE).

Att XXXIII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar Tfal u Żgħażagħ (Ordnijiet għall-Ħarsien)

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma sabiex jipprovdi mekkaniżmu għal reviżjoni ta’ ordnijiet għall-ħarsien fuq it-talba tal-ġenitur jew tal-kustodju tat-tifel jew żagħżugħ.

Att XXXV tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar it-Trattament Xieraq tal-Annimali

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet prinċipali ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma sabiex jipprovdi għall-istabbiliment tal-uffiċċju tad-Direttur għat-Trattament Xieraq tal-Annimali, għall-kompożizzjoni ġdida tal-Kunsill għat-Trattament Xieraq tal-Annimali, għall-ħatra ta’ Kummissarju għat-Trattament Xieraq tal-Annimali u sabiex jagħti setgħat lilhom, jipprovdi għal projbizzjoni dwar l-użu ta’ annimali fiċ-ċirkli, isaħħaħ is-setgħat ta’ infurzar u jiddefinixxi aħjar is-setgħat tal-uffiċjali għall-ħarsien xieraq tal-annimali li ma kenux speċifikament imsemmija fl-Att prinċipali, u jirrevedi l-multi għal reati magħmula taħt l-Att prinċipali jew regolamenti magħmulin taħtu.

Att XXXVI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar is-Sigurtà Soċjali

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma sabiex jissawru d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Att dwar is-Sigurtà Soċjali fir-rigward tal-età tal-pensjoni u t-tielet pensjoni skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Att li jirregola Fondi Speċjali u tal-Att dwar Pensjonijiet tal-Irtirar.

Att XXXVII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar it-Taxxa fuq l-Income

L-għanijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jiġi aġġornat l-Att dwar it-Taxxa fuq l-Income bl-introduzzjoni ta’ dispożizzjonijiet li jirrigwardaw l-income ġej minn investiment fi skemi tal-irtirar.

Att XXXVIII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Probation

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi hu li jemenda l-artikolu 21 tal-Att dwar il-Probation billi jiġu estiżi d-dispożizzjonijiet tiegħu biex jinkludu wkoll il-Qorti Kriminali u l-Qorti tal-Appell Kriminali.

Att XLI tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar Lotteriji u Logħob Ieħor

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jemenda n-nomenklatura tal-Awtorità stabbilita bl-Att dwar Lotteriji u Logħob Ieħor, Kap. 438 tal-Liġijiet ta’ Malta, mill-Awtorità dwar il-Lotteriji u l-Logħob għal Awtorità Maltija dwar il-Logħob.

Att XLII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Ordinanza dwar Self Lokali (Stock u Titoli Reġistrati)

L-għan ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huwa biex jippermetti lill-Ministru għall-Finanzi jiġbor flus permezz ta’ self bil-għan li jipprovdi għajnuna finanzjarja lil istituzzjonijiet ta’ kreditu fil-kuntest ta’ kriżi finanzjarja sabiex jippreserva l-istabbilità finanzjarja skont it-termini tad-Direttiva 2014/59/UE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tal-15 ta’ Mejju 2014 li tistabbilixxi qafas għall-irkupru u r-riżoluzzjoni ta’ istituzzjonijiet ta’ kreditu u ditti ta’ investiment u l-Komunikazzjoni tal-Kummissjoni dwar l-applikazzjoni, mill-1 ta’ Awwissu 2013, tar-regoli dwar l-għajnuna mill-Istat għal miżuri ta’ appoġġ favur il-banek fil-kuntest tal-kriżi finanzjarja (“il-Komunikazzjoni dwar il-Banek”) (2013/C216/01).

Att XLIII tal-2014 – Att li jemenda l-Att dwar it-Taxxa fuq il-Valur Miżjud

L-għanijiet u r-raġunijiet ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi huma biex jippermettu l-ġbir ta’ input tax attribwiti għal provvisti taxxabbli barra minn Malta iżda meqjusa bħala provvisti eżenti bla kreditu f’Malta.

1.3 Mistoqsijiet Parlamentari

Matul l-2014 ġew sottomessi 6,684 mistoqsija parlamentari. Minnhom, 6,476 mistoqsija kienu jeħtieġu tweġiba orali u kollha ġew imwieġba filwaqt li 208 mistoqsija kienu jeħtieġu tweġiba bil-miktub. Minn dawn, fis-sena 2014 ġew imwieġba 157.

1.4 Stqarrijiet Ministerjali

Matul l-2014 saru dawn l-għaxar stqarrijiet ministerjali lill-Kamra:

Seduta Nru 106 – 13 ta’ Stqarrija mill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, dwar il-Kunsill Jannar Ewropew tad-19 u l-20 ta’ Diċembru 2013

Seduta Nru 119 – 12 ta’ Frar Stqarrija mill-Ministru għall-Enerġija u l-Konservazzjoni tal-Ilma, l-Onor. Konrad Mizzi, dwar is-sitwazzjoni tal-Korporazzjoni

Enemalta fir-rigward tas-serq ta’ elettriku

Seduta Nru 124 – 25 ta’ Frar Stqarrija mill-Ministru għall-Enerġija u l-Konservazzjoni tal-Ilma, u Seduta Nru 125 - 26 ta’ Frar l-Onor. Konrad Mizzi, b’aġġornament b’rabta mas-serq tal-elettriku

Seduta Nru 128 – 11 ta’ Stqarrija mill-Ministru għall-Enerġija u l-Konservazzjoni tal-Ilma, Marzu l-Onor. Konrad Mizzi, dwar l-investiment tax-Shanghai Electric Power fl-Enemalta

Seduta Nru 134 – 26 ta’ Stqarrija mill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, dwar il-Kunsill Marzu Ewropew tal-20 u l-21 ta’ Marzu

Seduta Nru 169 – 30 ta’ Ġunju Stqarrija mill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, dwar il-Kunsill Ewropew tas-26 u s-27 ta’ Ġunju

Seduta Nru 174 – 9 ta’ Lulju Stqarrija mill-Ministru għall-Intern u s-Sigurtà Nazzjonali, l-Onor. Emanuel Mallia, dwar riformi fil-Korp tal-Pulizija

Seduta Nru 175 – 14 ta’ Lulju Stqarrija mill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, dwar iż-żjara tiegħu fiċ-Ċina u l-Memorandum of Understanding dwar il-kooperazzjoni għal terminu medju bejn il-Gvern Malti u l-Gvern Ċiniż Seduta Nru 184 – 25 ta’ Lulju Stqarrija mill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, dwar rapport fil-media ta’ ċittadin Malti li nħataf fil-Libja

Seduta Nru 195 – 4 ta’ Stqarrija mill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, dwar il-Kunsill Novembru Ewropew tat-23 u l-24 ta’ Ottubru u dwar iż-żjara tiegħu f’Singapor bejn id-29 u l-31 ta’ Ottubru.

1.5 Petizzjonijiet

Matul l-2014 ġew ippreżentati żewġ petizzjonijiet lill-Parlament.

Seduta Nru 114 – Petizzjoni ppreżentata mill-Onor. Simon Busuttil, Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni, f’isem 29 ta’ Jannar numru ta’ ċittadini Maltin li jgħixu fl-Istati ta’ Victoria u New South Wales fl-Awstralja, li kienu qed jitolbu lill-Gvern Malti biex jirrevedi l-Programm ta’ Ċittadinanza b’Investiment.

Seduta Nru 157 – Petizzjoni ppreżentata mill-Onor. Michael Falzon, Segretarju Parlamentari 3 ta’ Ġunju għall-Ippjanar u Simplifikazzjoni Amministrattiva, iffirmata minn 104,293 ċittadin Malti li talab lill-Parlament Malti biex jemenda l-Att dwar ir-Referenda u jżid proviso sabiex ebda liġi (kif definita fl-artikolu 13(3) tal-Att dwar ir-Referenda) li taffettwa l-interessi jew id-drittijiet jew il-privileġġi ta’ minoranza fi ħdan is-soċjetà Maltija, ma tkun tista’ tiġi revokata b’referendum taħt l-Att dwar ir-Referenda.

1.6 Mozzjonijiet

Matul l-2014, l-Uffiċċju tal-Iskrivan tal-Kamra rċieva 113-il mozzjoni li 58 minnhom kienu mozzjonijiet għall-Ewwel Qari ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi. Mill-mozzjonijiet kollha ppreżentati, 15 kienu xogħol privat ta’ Membri:

Il-15-il mozzjoni ta’ xogħol privat ta’ Membri kienu dawn:

Mozzjoni Nru 93 Mozzjoni għar-revoka tal-Avviż Legali Nru 450 tal-2013 dwar il-Programm tal-Investitur Individwali, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Jason Azzopardi

Mozzjoni Nru 108 Mozzjoni biex tiġi emendata l-verżjoni Ingliża tal-Ordnijiet Permanenti tal-Kamra tad-Deputati b’rabta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Claudio Grech

Mozzjoni Nru 115 Mozzjoni għar-revoka tal-Avviż Legali Nru 47 tal-2014 dwar il-Programm tal-Investitur Individwali, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Jason Azzopardi

Mozzjoni Nru 122 Mozzjoni għar-revoka tal-Avviż Legali Nru 76 tal-2014 dwar id-data ta’ persuni li jattendu istituzzjonijiet edukattivi, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Joseph Cassar, l-Onor. Paula Mifsud Bonnici u l-Onor. Claudette Buttigieg

Mozzjoni Nru 124 Mozzjoni biex jiġu protetti t-Tempji Ta’ Ħaġrat, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Ryan Callus

Mozzjoni Nru 125 Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta, ippreżentat mill-Onor. Stephen Spiteri u mill-Onor. Mario de Marco

Mozzjoni Nru 134 Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta, ippreżentat mill-Onor. Kristy Debono, mill-Onor. Claudette Buttigieg u mill-Onor. Mario de Marco

Mozzjoni Nru 136 Mozzjoni biex il-pazjenti jirċievu kura skont ir-regolamenti dwar kura tas-saħħa transkonfinali minn fornituri privati lokali, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Mario de Marco u mill-Onor. Claudio Grech

Mozzjoni Nru 149 Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar Stili ta’ Ħajja Sana, ippreżentat mill-Onor. Robert Cutajar u mill-Onor. Mario de Marco

Mozzjoni Nru 153 Mozzjoni dwar l-investigazzjoni mill-Ombudsman ta’ lmenti mressqa minn uffiċjali tal-Forzi Armati ta’ Malta, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Mario de Marco u mill-Onor. Jason Azzopardi

Mozzjoni Nru 160 Mozzjoni sabiex jiġu diskussi r-relazzjonijiet diplomatiċi fis-sitwazzjoni politika kurrenti bejn Malta u l-Libja, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici u mill-Onor. David Agius

Mozzjoni Nru 164 Mozzjoni sabiex jiġu diskussi l-aħħar żviluppi dwar il-wegħda tal-Prim Ministru l-Onor. Joseph Muscat li jibni power station sa Marzu tal-2015, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Mario de Marco u mill-Onor. George Pullicino

Mozzjoni Nru 174 Mozzjoni sabiex jiġu ppubblikati żewġ rapporti ta’ inkjesta tal-Pulizija, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Mario de Marco u mill-Onor. Jason Azzopardi

Mozzjoni Nru 191 Mozzjoni ta’ sfiduċja fil-Ministru għall-Intern u s-Sigurtà Nazzjonali, ippreżentata mill-Onor. Mario de Marco u mill-Onor. Jason Azzopardi

Mozzjoni Nru 193 Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar Opportunitajiet Indaqs (Persuni b’Diżabilità), ippreżentat mill-Onor. Stephen Spiteri u mill-Onor. David Agius.

Matul l-2014 ġew ippreżentati lill-Kamra numru ta’ mozzjonijiet importanti oħra, fosthom:

 mozzjonijiet biex jiġu approvati l-estimi finanzjarji ta’ entitajiet u korporazzjonijiet għas-sena 2014;  numru ta’ mozzjonijiet għall-approvazzjoni parlamentari tal-estimi finanzjarji għas-sena 2015;  mozzjoni li temenda l-Ordnijiet Permanenti tal-Kamra biex jitwaqqaf il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa;  mozzjoni ta’ ringrazzjament lil Dr George Abela fi tmiem il-mandat tiegħu bħala President tar-Repubblika u mozzjoni dwar il-ħatra tas-Sra. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca bħala l-President tar-Repubblika suċċessiv; u  mozzjoni ta’ rakkomandazzjoni biex it-tieni Ħadd ta’ Ottubru jiġi rikonoxxut fuq livell nazzjonali bħala ‘Jum in-Nanniet’.

1.7 Tqegħid ta’ Karti fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra

Matul l-2014 tqiegħdu total ta’ 2,187 dokument fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra li l-maġġoranza tagħhom kienu tweġibiet mogħtija għal mistoqsijiet parlamentari magħmula mill-Membri Parlamentari lid-diversi Ministri, avviżi legali u rapporti annwali u estimi finanzjarji ta’ entitajiet u korporazzjonijiet tal-Gvern.

Numru ta’ dokumenti ġew imqiegħda fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra mis-Sedja, fosthom rapporti mill-Uffiċċju tal-Ombudsman u mill-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika, rapporti magħmula minn Membri Parlamentari dwar il-parteċipazzjoni tagħhom f’laqgħat barra mill-pajjiż, ir-Rapport Annwali għas-Sena 2013 tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, rapport mill-Ispeaker dwar l-awtonomija amministrattiva tal-Parlament Malti u tweġibiet għal mistoqsijiet parlamentari magħmula lis-Sedja.

1.8 Deċiżjonijiet tas-Sedja (Rulings)

Fl-2014, l-Ispeaker ta 24 ruling dwar kwestjonijiet li tqajmu kemm fis-seduti plenarji kif ukoll waqt il-laqgħat tal-kumitati. Ir-rulings mogħtija mis-Sedja kienu kif ġej:

Seduta Nru 111 – 22 ta’ Ruling mogħti mid-Deputy Speaker dwar punt ta’ ordni mqajjem Jannar mill-Onor. Joe Mizzi fuq rimarki li għamel l-Onor. George Pullicino

Seduta Nru 113 – 28 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar mozzjoni li titlob it-tneħħija ta’ Jannar Imħallef

Seduta Nru 115 – 3 ta’ Frar Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar xhieda msejħa quddiem il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi

Seduta Nru 116 – 4 ta’ Frar Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar it-tlaqqigħ tal-kumitati permanenti

Seduta Nru 125 – 26 ta’ Frar Ruling mogħti mid-Deputy Speaker dwar punt ta’ ordni mqajjem mill-Onor. Tonio Fenech fil-konfront tal-Ministru għall-Enerġija u s-Saħħa, l-Onor. Konrad Mizzi, b’rabta mal-Ordni Permanenti 60 – Kliem offensiv kontra l-Kamra jew kontra membru

Seduta Nru 128 – 11 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar xhieda mill-Avukat Ġenerali Marzu quddiem il-kumitati parlamentari

Seduta Nru 130 – 17 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar l-aġenda tal-Kumitat Permanenti Marzu dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp

Seduta Nru 144 – 5 ta’ Mejju Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar punt ta’ ordni mqajjem mill-Onor. Mario de Marco fuq rimarki li għamel il-Ministru għal Għawdex, l-Onor. Anton Refalo

Seduta Nru 150 – 19 ta’ Mejju Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar id-dritt tal-kumitati parlamentari li jitolbu għal preżentar ta’ dokumenti

Seduta Nru 166 – 23 ta’ Ġunju Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker wara talba li saret mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni biex il-Kamra taġġorna skont l-Ordni Permanenti 13 sabiex tiddiskuti l-proċedimenti legali b’konnessjoni ma’ ilmenti mibgħuta lill-Ombudsman minn membri tal-Forzi Armati ta’ Malta

Seduta Nru 178 – 16 ta’ Lulju Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar it-talba tal-Onor. George Pullicino biex jitqiegħdu fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra dokumenti relatati mal-ftehim magħmula mill-Enemalta

Seduta Nru 178 – 16 ta’ Lulju Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar it-talba tal-Onor. David Agius dwar l-appliklazzjoni tal-Ordni Permanenti 8(2) – Ġranet ta’ laqgħat

Seduta Nru 179 – 17 ta’ Lulju Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar it-talba tal-Onor. David Agius dwar l-appliklazzjoni tal-Ordni Permanenti 8(2) – Ġranet ta’ laqgħat

Seduta Nru 188 – 20 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar l-interpretazzjoni tal-Ordni Ottubru Permanenti 173 fid-dawl tat-talba tal-Oppożizzjoni sabiex is-Seduta tal-20 ta’ Ottubru 2014 (Mozzjoni dwar il-power station proposta) tiġi ffilmjata u trażmessa

Seduta Nru 188 – 20 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar it-talba tal-Onor. David Agius Ottubru għal tqegħid ta’ dokumenti waqt dibattitu

Seduta Nru 189 – 21 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar allegazzjonijiet li saru mill-Onor. Ottubru Konrad Mizzi, Ministru għall-Enerġija u s-Saħħa, fil-konfront tal-Onor. George Pullicino

Seduta Nru 190 – 22 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker għar-rigward tal-inforzar jew nuqqas Ottubru ta’ infurzar, tar-ruling mogħti fis-Seduta 189 tal-21 ta’ Ottubru 2014 b’rabta mal-każ imqajjem mill-Onor. George Pullicino fil-konfront tal-Onor. Konrad Mizzi, Ministru għall-Enerġija u s-Saħħa

Seduta Nru 191 – 27 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker b’rabta mal-każ imqajjem mill-Onor. Ottubru George Pullicino fil-konfront ta’ ġurnalist ta’ One News għal raġunijiet ta’ allegat fastidju hekk kif l-Onor. Pullicino kien ħiereġ mill-Palazz

Seduta Nru 191 – 27 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker b’rabta mal-każ imqajjem mill-Onor. Ottubru Marthese Portelli fir-rigward tat-tweġiba mogħtija mill-Onor. Konrad Mizzi, Ministru għall-Enerġija u s-Saħħa, għall-mistoqsija parlamentari 11113

Seduta Nru 191 – 27 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar l-ilment imqajjem mill-Onor. Ottubru Carmelo Abela fir-rigward ta’ artikli li dehru fil-ġurnal MaltaToday u fuq il-websajt www.maltarightnow.com

Seduta Nru 192 – 28 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar allegat każ ta’ ksur ta’ privileġġ Ottubru imqajjem mill-Onor. Jason Azzopardi dwar it-tweġibiet għal mistoqsijiet parlamentari magħmula lill-Onor. Emanuel Mallia, Ministru għall-Intern u s-Sigurtà Nazzjonali

Seduta Nru 194 – 3 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar ilment li għamel l-Onor. Ċensu Novembru Galea fir-rigward ta’ artiklu li deher fil-ġurnal l-orizzont

Seduta Nru 196 – 5 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar jekk spokesperson tal-Gvern Novembru għandux dritt jagħmel mistoqsijiet supplimentari lil Ministri

Seduta Nru 206 – 26 ta’ Ruling mogħti mill-Ispeaker dwar rapporti fil-media u ritratti li Novembru ttieħdu mill-iStrangers’ Gallery.

1.9 Whips Parlamentari

Il-Whips huma Membri Parlamentari appuntati mill-gruppi parlamentari rappreżentati fil-Kamra tad-Deputati sabiex jiffaċilitaw il-kontribuzzjoni tal-grupp parlamentari tagħhom fil-ħidma parlamentari biex din tkun tista’ tipproċedi mingħajr problemi. Iż-żewġ Whips huma Membri tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra proprju fil-qadi ta’ dan ir-rwol.

Responsabilità oħra tal-Whips Parlamentari hi li jiżguraw l-attendenza regolari tal-Membri Parlamentari fil-grupp parlamentari tagħhom, partikolarment meta jittieħdu voti u meta jissejħu divisions.

Il-Whips huma wkoll responsabbli li jżommu l-Membri fil-gruppi parlamentari rispettivi tagħhom aġġornati dwar ix-xogħol tal-Kamra, li jipproponu membri biex iservu fuq il-kumitati permanenti u dawk magħżula, u li jinnominaw Membri biex jipparteċipaw f’laqgħat u konferenzi barra l-pajjiż.

Fl-2014, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela kien il-Whip tal-Gvern filwaqt li l-Onor. David Agius kien il-Whip tal-Oppożizzjoni.

Onor. Carmelo Abela Onor. David Agius ‘Whip’ tal-Gvern ‘Whip’ tal-Oppożizzjoni

1.10 Kap tal-Kamra

Skont l-Ordnijiet Permanenti tal-Kamra, il-Kap tal-Kamra għandu jkun il-Ministru responsabbli għall-Affarijiet Parlamentari. Fil-qadi ta’ dmirijietu, il-Kap tal-Kamra hu primarjament responsabbli għall-iskedar tax-xogħol tal-Gvern fil-Kamra, u għall-iskedar ta’ xogħol parlamentari ieħor. Dan isir

flimkien mal-Whip tal-Gvern u mal-Whip tal-Oppożizzjoni fil-qafas tal-laqgħat tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra ppresedut mill-Ispeaker.

Matul l-2014, il-kariga ta’ Kap tal-Kamra kienet okkupata mid-Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Affarijiet Ewropej u Twettiq tal-Manifest Elettorali, l-Onor. Louis Grech.

2. KUMITATI PERMANENTI

Il-kumitati permanenti tal-Kamra, imwaqqfa bil-kooperazzjoni u l-approvazzjoni taż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra fl-1995, huma ta’ importanza kbira għax-xogħol tal-Parlament. Il-kumitati permanenti, li huma estensjoni tal-Kamra nnifisha, jipprovdu livell professjonali fid-diskussjoni fuq diversi temi.

Barra minn hekk, il-kumitati permanenti introduċew element ta’ konsultazzjoni mas-soċjetà ċivili. Esperti tekniċi u rappreżentanti minn diversi organizzazzjonijiet huma mistiedna jiddiskutu u jaqsmu l-għarfien tagħhom dwar suġġetti partikolari. Il-laqgħat tal-kumitati permanenti huma miftuħin għall-pubbliku u l-mezzi tax-xandir, u huma mxandra kemm permezz tal-audio kif ukoll permezz tal-video, dan tal-aħħar mill-2012, fuq is-sit elettroniku tal-Parlament. Dan jgħin sabiex ikun hemm relazzjoni aktar mill-qrib bejn il-poplu u r-rappreżentanti eletti tagħhom fil-Parlament.

Il-kumitati għandhom is-setgħa li jissottomettu rakkomandazzjonijiet għall-konsiderazzjoni tal-Kamra.

Matul l-2014, l-Ordnijiet Permanenti tal-Kamra pprovdew għat-twaqqif ta’ dawn id-disa’ kumitati permanenti:

 Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra  Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi  Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi  Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej  Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali  Il-Kumitat Permanenti għall-Konsiderazzjoni ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi  Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja  Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji  Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa

L-aħħar kumitat li twaqqaf kien il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa, liema kumitat ġie mwaqqaf wara Mozzjoni ppreżentata mill-Onor. Claudio Grech fit-18 ta’ Novembru 2013 li kienet titlob li jitwaqqaf Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa. Din il-mozzjoni, diskussa fil-5 ta’ Frar 2014, kienet sekondata mill-Ministru għas-Saħħa, l-Onor. Godfrey Farrugia, u ġiet emendata u konsegwentement maqbula unanimament. Sussegwentement, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa ġie mwaqqaf pemezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 106 ippreżentata mid-Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Affarijiet Ewropej u Twettiq tal-Manifest Elettorali, l-Onor. Louis Grech, u approvata fis-Seduta Nru 129 tat-12 ta’ Marzu.

L-Att dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp, Kap. 504, u l-Att dwar l-Awditur Ġenerali u l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika, Kap. 396, jipprovdu għat-twaqqif ta’ żewġ kumitati permanenti oħra kif ġej:

 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp; u  Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika.

2.1 Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra ġie mwaqqaf permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 18 approvata fit-22 ta’ April 2013 u l-kompożizzjoni tiegħu kienet emendata permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 40 tat-28 ta’ Mejju 2013. Dan il-kumitat permanenti huwa magħmul kif ġej:

President Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati Membri Onor. Carmelo Abela Onor. David Agius Onor. Mario de Marco Onor. Louis Grech Onor. Deborah Schembri

Onor. Anġlu Farrugia

‘120C. (1) Kemm-il darba ma jiġix stabbilit xort’oħra mill-Kamra, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra jkollu setgħa li:

(a) jqassam Abbozzi ta’ Liġi u xogħol ieħor fost il-Kumitati Permanenti maħtura skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Ordnijiet Permanenti 96, 120A u 120B;

(b) (i) jiddeċiedi dwar l-għadd ta’ seduti li għandhom jiġu allokati għad-diskussjoni fuq abbozz ta’ liġi minn Kumitat Permanenti;

(ii) jalloka x-xogħol għal kull seduta ta’ Kumitat Permanenti;

(iii) jiddeċiedi dwar iż-żmien li fih xi xogħol, kemm-il darba ma jkunx tlesta qabel, ikollu jitlesta fih minn Kumitat Permanenti; u

(ċ) jikkunsidra kull ħaġa li tolqot il-proċedura u x-xogħol tal-Kamra, u minn żmien għal żmien jgħaddi l-fehma tiegħu dwar dan lill-Kamra.

(2) Għandu jsir rapport lill-Kamra dwar ir-riżoluzzjonijiet kollha mgħoddija mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra fl-ewwel seduta li tiġi wara dik meta r-riżoluzzjoni tkun għaddiet, minnufih wara l-Interpellanzi, u dan għandu jitniżżel fil-Minuti dwar il-proċedimenti tal-Kamra.

(3) (a) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra għandu jkun magħmul mill-Kap tal-Kamra, żewġ membri nominati mill-Prim Ministru u żewġ membri nominati mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni.

(b) Tliet membri għall-Kumitat li jattendu jikkostitwixxu quorum.

(4) Għandhom ukoll jinħatru membri li jidħlu minflok membri oħra għal kull membru li jkun hemm fil-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra u d-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafu (4) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120B għandhom ukoll ikunu japplikaw.

(5) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra għandu jkun ippresedut mill-Ispeaker li ma għandux jivvota ħlief meta l-voti jkunu ndaqs fuq xi kwistjoni, f’liema każ huwa jkollu u juża vot deċiżiv.’

Il-funzjoni prinċipali ta’ dan il-Kumitat hija li jorganizza x-xogħol tal-Kamra billi jqassam abbozzi ta’ liġi u xogħol ieħor lill-Kumitati Permanenti u lill-Kamra, li jistabbilixxi u jiskeda n-numru ta’ seduti li għandhom jiġu allokati lid-dibattiti parlamentari u li jikkonsidra materji oħra ta’ proċedura. Il-korrispondenza mibgħuta lill-Ispeaker tinġieb ukoll għall-attenzjoni ta’ dan il-Kumitat.

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra huwa impenjat ukoll li jiltaqa’ biex jiddiskuti l-pjan tal-Uffiċċju tal-Ombudsman għas-sena li jkun imiss, l-Ombudsplan, u f’dik il-laqgħa l-Ombudsman jagħti spjegazzjoni ta’ dak il-pjan.

Matul l-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra tlaqqa’ 12-il darba.

Minbarra xogħol proċedurali tal-Kamra, il-Kumitat iddiskuta wkoll:

 affarijiet relatati mal-migrazzjoni tal-Parlament lejn il-bini ġdid tal-Parlament;  il-wirja permanenti tal-istorja parlamentari u kostituzzjonali ta’ Malta li se tiġi mwaqqfa mill-Fondazzjoni Parlament ta’ Malta u l-Bank of Valletta plc;  kuntatti mal-fornituri tas-servizz tat-televixin lokali biex jitwaqqaf l-istazzjon televiżiv tal-Parlament, il-ħtieġa ta’ tibdil fl-Ordnijiet Permanenti tal-Kamra u l-linji gwida dwar il-video streaming;  l-Ombudsplan għas-sena 2015;  it-twaqqif ta’ grupp ta’ Membri Parlamentari sabiex jiġu diskussi kwestjonijiet relatati mal-problema tad-dijabete;  il-mozzjoni għat-tneħħija tal-Imħallef Carm Lino Farrugia Sacco;  it-talba tal-Onor. Jason Azzopardi biex numru ta’ rapporti mill-Bord ta’ Ilmenti fi ħdan il-Forzi Armati ta’ Malta jiġu riferuti lill-Ombudsman;  it-tnedija ta’ sistema online li permezz tagħha wieħed jista’ jissottometti petizzjonijiet lill-Parlament; u  ir-rapport tal-kummissjoni interna dwar l-awtonomija amministrattiva tal-Parlament ta’ Malta.

2.2 Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi

Il-Mozzjoni Nru 19, approvata fil-Kamra fit-22 ta’ April 2013 tistabbilixxi l-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi, li fl-2014 kien magħmul kif ġej:

President Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati

Membri Onor. Simon Busuttil Onor. Carmelo Abela Onor. David Agius Onor. Louis Grech Onor. Deborah Schembri Onor. Anġlu Farrugia

‘120D. (1) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi jkollu setgħa li jikkunsidra dawk il-każi li jiġu lilu riferuti mill-Ispeaker jew mill-Kamra u li jieħu dawk id-deċiżjonijiet u li jagħmel dawk ir-rakkomandazzjonijiet kif provdut f’dawn l-Ordnijiet Permanenti u fl-Ordinanza dwar il-Privileġġi u s-Setgħat tal-Kamra tad-Deputati jew f’kull liġi li minn żmien għal żmien tista’ tissostitwixxi lil dik l-Ordinanza.

(2) Il-Kumitat Permanenti jkun magħmul mill-Kap tal-Kamra, żewġ membri nominati mill-Prim Ministru u żewġ membri nominati mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni.

(3) Id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafi (3), (4) u (5) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120C għandhom ikunu japplikaw mutatis mutandis għall-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi.

(4) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi għandu jkollu s-setgħa u l-awtorità, mingħajr preġudizzju għad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Ordni Permanenti 164, li jħarrek xhieda u li jordna li jinġiebu dokumenti quddiemu. Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi jista’ jitlob li l-Avukat Ġenerali jew ir-rappreżentant tiegħu jattendu quddiemu, u dan jista’ jiġi wkoll

awtorizzat li jipparteċipa fil-proċedimenti, iżda li f’ebda każ ma jkollu l-jedd ta’ vot f’dak il-kumitat.’

2.2.1 Ksur ta’ Privileġġ imqajjem mill-Prim Ministru kontra l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni

Matul l-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi ltaqa’ sitt darbiet sabiex jiddiskuti l-ksur ta’ privileġġ imqajjem mill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, kontra l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni, l-Onor. Simon Busuttil, fis-Seduta Nru 55 tat-30 ta’ Settembru 2013. Fl-1 ta’ Ottubru 2013, l-Ispeaker kien ta ruling fejn qal li kien hemm prima facie każ ta’ ksur ta’ privileġġ u li l-każ għandu jiġi kkonsidrat mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi.

Il-Kumitat beda billi stabbilixxa l-proċedura li għandu jsegwi fil-konsiderazzjoni tal-każ riferut lilu. Il-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, li allega ksur ta’ privileġġ fil-konfront tiegħu mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni, għamel l-istqarrija tiegħu quddiem il-Kumitat. Ladarba n-naħa tal-Gvern ma kellhiex aktar xhieda xi tressaq, l-Oppożizzjoni ppreżentat il-lista ta’ xhieda li xtaqet tressaq quddiem il-Kumitat. Sal-aħħar tas-sena, l-ex Kummissarju tal-Pulizija John Rizzo, l-ex Assistent Kummissarju Michael Cassar u l-ex Assistent Kummissarju Joseph Cachia dehru quddiem il-Kumitat sabiex iwieġbu għal xi mistoqsijiet.

Il-każ se jkompli jiġi kkonsidrat fl-2015.

2.2.2 Ksur ta’ Privileġġ imqajjem mill-Onor. George Pullicino kontra l-Ministru għall-Enerġija u s-Saħħa

Fit-22 ta’ Ottubru, l-Ispeaker ta ruling fejn sab lill-Onor. Konrad Mizzi, Ministru għall-Enerġija u s-Saħħa, ħati prima facie ta’ ksur ta’ privileġġ fil-konfront tal-Onor. George Pullicino, li qajjem dan il-każ fis-Seduta tal-20 ta’ Ottubru. Il-każ ġie riferut lill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Privileġġi għall-konsiderazzjoni tiegħu.

Il-Kumitat kien għadu ma bediex jikkonsidra dan il-każ sal-aħħar tas-sena.

2.3 Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi ġie mwaqqaf permezz ta’ Mozzjoni Nru 17 approvata fis-16 ta’ April 2013 u l-kompożizzjoni tiegħu ġiet emendata permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 129 tas-7 ta’ Mejju 2014, kif ġej:

President Onor. Tonio Fenech

Membri Onor. Chris Agius Onor. Owen Bonnici Onor. Joseph Farrugia Onor. Mario de Marco Onor. Claudio Grech Onor. Charles Mangion Onor. Tonio Fenech

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi hu ppresedut minn Membru nominat mill-Oppożizzjoni, l-istess kif isir fis-sistema tal-House of Commons fl-Ingilterra.

L-Ordni Permanenti 120E jelenka s-setgħat u l-kompożizzjoni tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi:

‘120E. (1) Il-Kumitat dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi jkollu s-setgħa li:

(a) jifli ħwejjeġ li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-kontijiet pubbliċi li jiġu lilu riferuti mill-Kamra, minn Ministru jew mid-Direttur tal-Verifika;

(b) jifli kull spiża bħalma hemm imsemmi fis-subartikolu (3) tal-artikolu 103 u fl-artikolu 104 tal-Kostituzzjoni;

(ċ) jeżamina l-kontijiet ta’ awtoritajiet statutorji, inklużi organizzazzjonijiet parastatali, li l-kontijiet tagħhom huma ppreżentati lill-Parlament;

(d) jitlob lid-Direttur tal-Verifika li jippreżenta memoranda dwar kull ħaġa fejn issir talba biex isir dan minn mill-anqas tliet membri tal-Kumitat Permanenti;

(e) jikkunsidra memoranda preżentati mid-Direttur tal-Verifika, li jkunu ġew preżentati wara li tkun saritlu talba bis-saħħa tal-paragrafu (d) ta’ dan il-paragrafu, jew fuq inizjattiva tiegħu stess;

(f) jeżamina rapporti u dokumenti li għandhom x’jaqsmu magħhom, li jsiru mid-Direttur tal-Verifika;

(g) jirrapporta lill-Kamra dwar kull kont, rapport jew dokument imsemmija fis-subparagrafi ta’ qabel dan il-paragrafu; u

(h) jirrapporta lill-Kamra dwar kull bidla li jqis li tkun desiderabbli, dwar l-għamla tal-kontijiet, dwar il-mod kif dawn jinżammu, dwar id-dħul jew il-ħruġ jew il-kontroll tal-flus.

(2) Il-Kumitat dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi għandu jkun magħmul minn mhux aktar minn seba’ membri li minnhom erbgħa jikkostitwixxu quorum. Il-membri għandhom jintgħażlu b’dak il-mod li jkunu ġustament jirrappreżentaw lill-Kamra b’mod ġenerali, u proporzjonali skont l-għadd ta’ membri tal-Gvern u tal-Oppożizzjoni, b’mod partikolari.

(3) Id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafi (3) u (4) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120B għandhom ikunu japplikaw għall-Kumitat dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi.

(4) Wieħed minn dawk il-membri nominati mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u hekk magħżul minnu wara li jkun ikkonsulta lill-Kap tal-Kamra, għandu jinħatar bħala President tal-Kumitat dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi. Il-President ikollu vot oriġinali iżda ma jkollux vot deċiżiv.’

Peress li f’Awwissu tal-2013 il-President tal-Kumitat l-Onor. Tonio Fenech u l-Membri l-Onor. Claudio Grech u l-Onor. Konrad Mizzi kienu ġew indikati bħala xhieda li jistgħu jidhru quddiem il-Kumitat meta jkun qed jiddiskuti r-rapport tal-Uffiċċju tal-Awditur Ġenerali intitolat An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement, il-kompożizzjoni u l-presidenza tal-Kumitat dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi meta jkun qed jiddiskuti din il-kwestjoni ġiet mibdula kif ġej:

President Onor. Jason Azzopardi

Membri Onor. Chris Agius Onor. Owen Bonnici Onor. Luciano Busuttil Onor. Justyne Caruana Onor. Kristy Debono Onor. Beppe Fenech Adami Onor. Jason Azzopardi

Fl-2014, il-Kumitat iltaqa’ 13-il darba f’din il-formazzjoni biex jiddiskuti dan ir-rapport u sema’ seba’ xhieda. Il-Kumitat ħarrek erba’ xhieda oħra però dawn allegaw li għandhom id-dritt li jibqgħu siekta u li ma jistgħux jixhdu quddiem il-Kumitat u ressqu l-każ tagħhom quddiem il-Qorti Kostituzzjonali. Id-deċiżjoni tal-Qorti Kostituzzjonali kienet għadha pendenti sal-aħħar tas-sena.

Matul l-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi, fiż-żewġ formazzjonijiet, iltaqa’ 24 darba kif ġej:

13 ta’ Jannar Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

15 ta’ Jannar Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

27 ta’ Jannar Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979

5 ta’ Frar Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

12 ta’ Frar Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979 (Kontinwazzjoni)

19 ta’ Frar Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

24 ta’ Frar Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979 (Kontinwazzjoni)

10 ta’ Marzu Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979 (Kontinwazzjoni)

12 ta’ Marzu Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

14 ta’ Mejju Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn

il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979 (Kontinwazzjoni)

28 ta’ Mejju Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979 (Kontinwazzjoni)

17 ta’ Ġunju Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979 (Kontinwazzjoni)

1 ta’ Lulju Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

7 ta’ Lulju Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

14 ta’ Lulju Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

15 ta’ Lulju Skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Kummissarju tal-Artijiet u l-Malta Shipbuilding datat 20 ta’ Awwissu 1979 u skrutinju tal-kuntratt iffirmat bejn il-Malta Shipbuilding u l-Malta Labour Party fit-22 ta’ Awwissu 1979 (Kontinwazzjoni)

25 ta’ Lulju Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

5 ta’ Novembru Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

10 ta’ Novembru Rapport annwali tal-Awditur Ġenerali għas-sena 2012 – Malta Tourism Authority Operative and Marketing Expenditure

19 ta’ Novembru Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

26 ta’ Novembru Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

2 ta’ Diċembru Rapport tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Kontinwazzjoni)

9 ta’ Diċembru Rapport annwali tal-Awditur Ġenerali għas-sena 2012 – Social Security Department – Overpayment of Social Security Benefits (Kontinwazzjoni)

15 ta’ Diċembru Laqgħa konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej u l-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji dwar l-Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors on the Budget for the Financial Year 2013 u l-ħidma tal-Membru Malti f’din il-Qorti.

2.4 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej ġie mwaqqaf permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 20 approvata fit-22 ta’ April 2013 u l-kompożizzjoni tiegħu ġiet emendata permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 41 tat-28 ta’ Mejju 2013 u l-Mozzjoni Nru 126 tas-7 ta’ Mejju 2014, kif ġej:

President Onor. Luciano Busuttil

Membri Onor. Frederick Azzopardi Onor. Toni Bezzina Onor. Marlene Farrugia Onor. Tonio Fenech Onor. Franco Mercieca Onor. Joseph M. Sammut

Onor. Luciano Busuttil Onor. George Vella Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech

‘120F. (1) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej għandu jkun magħmul minn mhux aktar minn disa’ membri li minnhom ħamsa jikkostitwixxu quorum. Il-Membri għandhom jintgħażlu hekk li jkunu ġustament jirrappreżentaw lill-Kamra b’mod ġenerali u l-proporzjon tal-għadd ta’ membri tal-Gvern u tal-Oppożizzjoni b’mod partikolari:

Iżda l-membri magħżula min-naħa tal-Gvern biex joqogħdu fil-Kumitat Permanenti għandhom jinkludu lill-Ministru tal-Affarijiet Barranin li jkollu d-dritt li jipparteċipa u li jivvota:

Iżda wkoll illi dawk il-membri tal-Parlament Ewropew eletti minn Malta għandu jkollhom id-dritt li jipparteċipaw fix-xogħol tal-Kumitat Permanenti, iżda ma jkollhomx id-dritt jivvotaw jew id-dritt li jressqu mozzjonijiet u emendi.

(2) Il-President tal-Kumitat Permanenti għandu jkun nominat mill-Kap tal-Kamra minn fost dawk il-membri li jirrappreżentaw in-naħa tal-Gvern, iżda kull membru tal-Kumitat jista’, f’kull waqt, jiġi appuntat mill-Kap tal-Kamra bħala president f’każ ta’ assenza inevitabbli tal-president.

(3) Il-Kumitat Permanenti għandu s-setgħa li jaħtar sottokumitati magħżula kif ukoll li jiddelega lil dawk is-sottokumitati funzjonijiet li jispettaw lill-istess Kumitat:

Iżda l-kompożizzjoni ta’ kull sottokumitat appuntat mill-Kumitat Permanenti għandha tkun deċiża mill-Kumitat Permanenti hekk li din tkun ġustament tirrappreżenta lill-Kamra b’mod ġenerali, u l-proporzjon ta’ membri tal-Gvern u tal-Oppożizzjoni b’mod partikolari.

(4) Bla ħsara għal dak imsemmi f’din l-ordni permanenti, id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafi (3) u (4) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120B għandhom japplikaw mutatis mutandis għall-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej.

(5) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej għandu jkollu dawn il-funzjonijiet li ġejjin:

(a) li jittratta dawk il-kwistjonijiet li jkollhom x’jaqsmu mal-affarijiet barranin u Ewropej li jistgħu jiġu lilu riferiti mill-Kamra jew mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra;

(b) fil-kuntest ta’ kwistjonijiet li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-Unjoni Ewropea u miżuri li ser jittieħdu mill-Kunsill tal-Ministri tal-Unjoni Ewropea, fuq inizjattiva tal-Kumitat stess, li jifli:

(i) kull proposta magħmula taħt it-trattati tal-Komunità dwar leġiżlazzjoni mill-Kunsill jew mill-Kunsill flimkien mal-Parlament Ewropew;

(ii) kull dokument li jkun ġie ppubblikat biex ikun ippreżentat lill-Kunsill Ewropew, lill-Kunsill jew lill-Bank Ċentrali Ewropew;

(iii) kull proposta għal strateġija komuni, azzjoni konġunta jew pożizzjoni komuni taħt it-Titolu V tat-Trattat dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea li tkun ġiet imħejjija biex tkun ippreżentata lill-Kunsill jew lill-Kunsill Ewropew;

(iv) kull proposta dwar pożizzjoni komuni, qafas ta’ azzjoni, deċiżjoni jew konvenzjoni taħt it-Titolu VI tat-Trattat dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea li tkun ġiet imħejjija biex tiġi ppreżentata lill-Kunsill;

(v) kull dokument (mhux kopert mis-subparagrafi (ii), (iii) jew (iv) hawn qabel imsemmija) li jkun ġie ppubblikat minn xi istituzzjoni tal-Unjoni u li ma jkollux x’jaqsam esklussivament mal-konsiderazzjoni ta’ xi proposta ta’ leġiżlazzjoni; u

(vi) kull dokument ieħor relatat ma’ affarijiet tal-Unjoni Ewropea li jkun tqiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra minn xi Ministru; u

(ċ) li jirrappreżenta lill-Kamra tad-Deputati ta’ Malta fil-Konferenza tal-Kumitati dwar l-Affarijiet Ewropej (COSAC).’

Matul l-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej iltaqa’ għaxar darbiet. Id-dettalji tal-laqgħat huma kif ġej:

14 ta’ Jannar Diskussjoni skont l-artikolu 4 (2) tal-Att dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea dwar il-proposta tal-Gvern li jirratifika ftehim interim li għandu jwassal għal ftehim dwar sħubija ekonomika bejn il-Komunità Ewropea u l-Istati Membri tagħha u s-Central Africa Party (Repubblika tal-Kamerun)

Preżentazzjoni mill-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, l-Onor. George Vella, fuq:

(i) ASEM (UE-Asja) Laqgħa tal-Ministri għall-Affarijiet Barranin li saret f’Delhi f’Novembru 2013 (ii) il-laqgħa tal-Kapijiet ta’ Stat u Gvern tal-Commonwealth (CHOGM) li saret f’Colombo f’Novembru 2013 (iii) il-laqgħa tal-Ministri tal-Affarijiet Barranin fi ħdan l-OSCE li saret fl-Ukraina f’Novembru 2013 (iv) is-Summit tal-Unjoni Ewropea li nżamm f’Vilnius f’Novembru 2013 (v) il-Kunsill tal-Ministri li nżamm fi Brussell f’Diċembru 2013 (vi) l-aġenda tal-Kunsill tal-Ministri ta’ Jannar 2014 (vii) il-Politika tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar it-Tkabbir

30 ta’ Jannar Laqgħa mas-Sur Maroš Šefčovič, Viċi President tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea

25 ta’ Frar Diskussjoni skont l-artikolu 4 (2) tal-Att dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea fuq il-proposta tal-Gvern li jirratifika:

(i) it-Trattat dwar il-Kummerċ tal-Armi (ii) 11th EDF (European Development Fund) Internal Agreement 2014-2020 (iii) Ftehim dwar il-Kummerċ bejn l-Unjoni Ewropa u l-Kolombja u l-Peru

Preżentazzjoni mill-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, l-Onor. George Vella, dwar il-Kunsill Ewropew li nżamm fi Brussell fl-10 ta’ Frar 2014

18 ta’ Marzu Preżentazzjoni mill-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, l-Onor. George Vella, dwar is-sitwazzjoni fl-Ukraina

Diskussjoni skont l-artikolu 4 (2) tal-Att dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea fuq il-proposta tal-Gvern li jirratifika l-Co-operation Agreement on Satellite Navigation bejn l-Unjoni Ewropea u l-Istati Membri tagħha, u n-Norveġja

21 ta’ Mejju Diskussjoni skont l-artikolu 4 (2) tal-Att dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea dwar il-ftehim dwar il-Kummerċ, l-Iżvilupp u Kooperazzjoni bejn l-Unjoni Ewropea u l-Istati Membri u l-Afrika ta’ Isfel

Diskussjoni dwar ir-rapport tal-Kunsill għall-Maltin li Jgħixu Barra minn Malta għall-perjodu bejn Marzu u Diċembru 2013 skont is-subartikolu (2) tal-artikolu 7 tal-Att dwar il-Kunsill għall-Maltin li Jgħixu Barra minn Malta

18 ta’ Ġunju Diskussjoni dwar il-Ftehim ta’ Akkwist Konġunt għall-akkwist ta’ kontromiżuri mediċi skont id-Deċiżjoni 1082/2013/UE għall-fini tad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-artikolu 4 (2) tal-Att dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea

Konsiderazzjoni tal-korrispondenza datata:

(i) 29 ta’ April 2014 mill-House of Commons dwar l-artikolu 5 tal-Protokoll Nru 2 tat-Trattat ta’ Lisbona fejn qed titlob lill-Kummissjoni tipprovdi stqarrija dettaljata fl-abbozz tal-att leġiżlattiv innifsu li jiġġustifika l-konformità mal-prinċipju ta’ sussidjarjetà (ii) 2 ta’ Ġujnu 2014 mill-Parlament Olandiż dwar ir-rwol tal-Parlamenti Nazzjonali fir-rigward tal-ftehim ta’ kummerċ ħieles bejn l-Unjoni Ewropea u pajjiżi terzi (iii) 3 ta’ Ġunju 2014 mill-Parlament Olandiż dwar il-proċedura tal-“karta s-safra” f’każ li jiġi indikat ksur tal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà, b’mod partikolari għall-proposta leġiżlattiva għat-Twaqqif tal-Uffiċċju tal-Prosekutur Pubbliku Ewropew

9 ta’ Lulju Preżentazzjoni mill-ET Giovanni Umberto de Vito, Ambaxxatur tal-Italja għal Malta, dwar il-prijoritajiet tal-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea

21 ta’ Lulju Diskussjoni għall-fini tad-dispożizzjonijiet tal-artikolu 4 (2) tal-Att dwar l-Unjoni Ewropea dwar il-proposta tal-Gvern li jirratifika dawn il-ftehimiet li ġejjin:

(i) il-Ftehim Ewro-Mediterranju dwar l-Avjazzjoni bejn l-Unjoni Ewropea u l-Istati Membri, u l-Istat ta’ Iżrael (ii) ftehimiet ta’ assoċjazzjoni bejn l-Unjoni Ewropea u l-Moldova, il-Ġeorġja u l-Ukraina li kienu ffirmati fis-27 ta’ Ġunju 2014

10 ta’ Ottubru Laqgħa mas-Sur Miroslav Lajčák, Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej tas-Slovakkja

15 ta’ Diċembru Laqgħa konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi u mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji dwar l-Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors on the Budget for the Financial Year 2013 u l-ħidma tal-Membru Malti f’din il-Qorti.

2.4.1 Sussidjarjetà u Djalogu Politiku mal-Kummissjoni Ewropea

Matul l-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej ikkunsidra 64 proposta leġiżlattiva tal-Unjoni Ewropea fir-rigward tal-prinċipji tas-sussidjarjetà u proporzjonalità kif stabbilit fil-Protokoll Nru 2 tat-Trattat dwar il-Funzjonament tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Instab li d-dokumenti kollha kienu konformi mal-prinċipji tas-sussidjarjetà u proporzjonalità u għaldaqstant il-Parlament, fl-2014, ma adotta ebda opinjoni motivtata.

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej iddeċieda li jibgħat kummenti lill-Kummissjoni Ewropea fil-kuntest ta’ qafas ta’ djalogu politiku fir-rigward taż-żewġ proposti leġiżlattivi li ġejjin:

(i) Proposta għal Regolament tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill dwar il-qafas legali tal-Unjoni fir-rigward ta’ infrazzjonijiet u sanzjonijiet tad-dwana (COM(2013)884); u

(ii) Proposta għal Direttiva tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill li temenda d-Direttivi 2008/98/KE dwar l-iskart, 94/62/KE dwar l-imballaġġ u l-iskart mill-imballaġġ, 1999/31/KE dwar ir-rimi ta' skart f'terraferma, 2000/53/KE dwar vetturi li m’għadhomx jintużaw, 2006/66/KE dwar batteriji u akkumulaturi u skart ta' batteriji u ta' akkumulaturi, u 2012/19/UE dwar skart ta' tagħmir elettriku u elettroniku (COM(2014)397).

2.4.2 Laqgħat Informali

Matul l-2014, il-President tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej kellu wkoll dawn il-laqgħat:

15 ta’ Jannar Laqgħa mal-ET Leonidas Markides, Kummissarju Għoli għar-Repubblika ta’ Ċipru

21 ta’ Ottubru Laqgħa mal-ET Oren David, Ambaxxatur tal-Iżrael

20 ta’ Novembru Laqgħa mal-ET Josep Maria Pons Irazazabal, Ambaxxatur ta’ Spanja.

2.4.3 Sottokumitati

Skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafu 3 tal-Ordni Permanenti 120F, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej waqqaf tliet gruppi ta’ ħidma biex jassistuh fix-xogħol tiegħu. Il-kompożizzjoni u l-kompetenzi tagħhom huma kif ġej:

Grupp ta’ Ħidma 1 President Onor. Luciano Busuttil

Membri Onor. Deo Debattista Onor. Marlene Farrugia Onor. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech

Onor. Luciano Busuttil

L-għan ta’ dan il-Grupp ta’ Ħidma hu li janalizza proposti leġiżlattivi fir-rigward tal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà kif ukoll li janalizza l-pipeline acquis tal-Unjoni Ewropea fl-istadju ta’ skrutinju preliminari, jiġifieri jidentifika dawk id-dokumenti li jista’ jkollhom importanza politika u/jew legali u jiddeċiedi dwar jekk id-dokument jistax jiġi approvat mingħajr riserva jew jiġi riferut għal dibattitu fil-plenarja tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej, jew f’wieħed mill-Gruppi ta’ Ħidma, jew għal dibattitu f’xi kumitat permanenti ieħor.

(i) Grupp ta’ Ħidma 2 jittratta l-oqsma tal-intern, il-ġustizzja, l-edukazzjoni, iż-żgħażagħ, il-kultura u l-isport u huwa ppresedut mill-Onor. Marlene Farrugia. Il-membri l-oħra tal-grupp ta’ ħidma jiġu maħtura skont il-materja li tkun se tiġi diskussa;

(ii) Grupp ta’ Ħidma 3 jittratta l-oqsma tal-kompetittività (jiġifieri suq uniku, industrija, riċerka u spazju), it-trasport, it-telekomunikazzjonijiet, l-enerġija, l-agrikoltura, is-sajd u l-ambjent u huwa ppresedut mill-Onor. Luciano Busuttil filwaqt li l-membri l-oħra jiġu maħtura skont il-materja li tkun se tiġi diskussa;

(iii) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali huwa responsabbli mill-oqsma li jikkonċernaw ix-xogħol, il-politika soċjali, is-saħħa u l-affarijiet tal-konsumatur; u

(iv) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji jittratta oqsma li jikkonċernaw l-ekonomija u l-affarijiet finanzjarji.

2.4.4 Laqgħat tal-Gruppi ta’ Ħidma

Matul l-2014, il-Grupp ta’ Ħidma 1 iltaqa’ sitt darbiet u minbarra li ttratta numru ta’ proposti leġiżlattivi mil-lat tal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà, għamel ukoll skrutinju ta’ 455 proposti leġiżlattivi u mhux leġiżlattivi li jinkludu rapporti, staff working documents, Green Papers u White Papers.

2.5 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali

Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali ġiet stabbilita permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 21 tat-22 ta’ April 2013 u sussegwentement emendata bil-Mozzjoni Nru 43 tat-3 ta’ Ġunju 2013 u bil-Mozzjoni Nru 128 tas-7 ta’ Mejju 2014, kif ġej:

President Onor. Deborah Schembri

Membri Onor. Anthony Agius Decelis Onor. Claudette Buttigieg Onor. Robert Cutajar Onor. Godfrey Farrugia Onor. Silvio Parnis Onor. Marthese Portelli

Onor. Deborah Schembri

L-Ordni Permanenti 120G tgħid illi:

‘120G. (1) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali għandu jittratta kull kwistjoni li jkollha x’taqsam mal-politika soċjali, inklużi l-assistenza soċjali u kwistjonijiet fuq il-familja, li jistgħu lilu jiġu riferuti mill-Kamra jew mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra.

(2) Id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafi (2) u (3) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120E għandhom ikunu japplikaw mutatis mutandis għall-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali.’

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali ltaqa’ 18-il darba matul l-2014, fejn iddiskuta diversi suġġetti ta’ natura soċjali.

Minbarra l-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali, kif imwaqqaf pemezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 21, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra, fil-laqgħa tas-17 ta’ Ottubru 2013, qabel dwar it-termini ta’ referenza u l-kompożizzjoni tal-Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali meta jiltaqa’ biex jiddiskuti l-immigrazzjoni illegali, ċjoè:

President Onor. Deborah Schembri

Membri Onor. Jason Azzopardi Onor. Claudette Buttigieg Onor. Michael Falzon Onor. Marlene Farrugia Onor. Chris Fearne Onor. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici

Onor. Deborah Schembri

Skont qbil li ntlaħaq fil-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra, il-Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali (Immigrazzjoni Illegali) għandu jiddiskuti:

 il-problema tal-immigrazzjoni illegali f’Malta fil-kuntest tas-sigurtà nazzjonali, inkluż kif dawn l-immigranti jaslu Malta, ir-responsabilitajiet tal-awtoritajiet Maltin fil-qasam tat-tfittxija u ż-żona ta’ salvataġġ, u l-organizzazzjoni kriminali li twassal lil dawn l-immigranti lejn Malta;  il-politika ta’ detenzjoni f’Malta, inkluż il-kundizzjonijiet fiċ-ċentri ta’ detenzjoni u fiċ-ċentri miftuħa u kif dawn jistgħu jitjiebu sabiex jagħtu lill-immigranti trattament aħjar;  garanziji li jiżguraw li tingħata protezzjoni malajr kemm jista’ jkun lil kull min għandu dritt għaliha;  ir-ripatrijazzjoni ta’ persuni li mhumiex intitolati għal protezzjoni u li jkunu daħlu Malta illegalment; u  miżuri li jiżguraw solidarjetà akbar mill-Istati Membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea, kemm fuq termini ta’ assistenza finanzjarja kif ukoll fuq ir-rilokazzjoni ta’ immigranti.

Matul l-2014, il-Kumitat tlaqqa’ 15-il darba fil-formazzjoni prinċipali tiegħu u ddiskuta dawn is-suġġetti:

28 ta’ Jannar Il-Vjolenza Domestika – Diskussjoni mal-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija s-Sur Peter Paul Zammit

5 ta’ Frar Approvazzjoni tal-membri tal-Bord ta’ Tutela

12 ta’ Frar Diskussjoni dwar il-Green Paper against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014-2024

18 ta’ Frar Diskussjoni dwar il-Green Paper against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014-2024 (Kontinwazzjoni)

12 ta’ Marzu Il-Vjolenza Domestika – Diskussjoni ma’ Dr Anthony Livori, Principal General Practitioner fil-qasam tal-kura primarja

17 ta’ Marzu L-abbuż mid-droga f’Malta – Diskussjoni ma’ Dr Mario Mifsud

9 ta’ April Il-Vjolenza Domestika – Diskussjoni ma’ Dr Malcolm Mifsud, Uffiċċju tal-Għajnuna Legali

16 ta’ April Diskussjoni dwar ir-rapport annwali tal-Kummissjoni dwar il-Vjolenza Domestika (Marzu 2013 – Frar 2014) (Kontinwazzjoni)

25 ta’ Ġunju Diskussjoni dwar ir-rapport li qed iħejji l-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali fuq il-vjolenza domestika

16 ta’ Lulju Diskussjoni dwar l-isports u l-obeżità

Diskussjoni dwar id-donazzjoni tal-organi

22 ta’ Lulju Approvazzjoni tal-membri tal-Kunsill Malti għas-Settur tal-Volontarjat

12 ta’ Novembru Laqgħa konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa fejn iddiskuta l-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti

Diskussjoni mal-Oftalmologu l-Onor. Franco Mercieca u ma’ Transplant Support Group Malta

19 ta’ Novembru Laqgħa konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa fejn ġiet diskussa l-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti (Kontinwazzjoni)

26 ta’ Novembru Laqgħa konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa fejn ġiet diskussa l-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti (Kontinwazzjoni)

17 ta’ Diċembru Laqgħa konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa fejn ġiet diskussa l-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti (Kontinwazzjoni).

Il-Kumitat, fil-kompożizzjoni tiegħu biex jittratta l-immigrazzjoni illegali, iltaqa’ tliet darbiet u ddiskuta dawn is-suġġetti kif ġej:

25 ta’ Marzu Diskussjoni dwar is-sitwazzjoni fiċ-ċentri ta’ detenzjoni u fiċ-ċentri miftuħa f’Malta

14 ta’ April Il-Politika dwar id-Detenzjoni – Diskussjoni mas-Sur Joseph St John mill-Ministeru tal-Intern

Diskussjoni mas-Sur Mario Friggieri, Kummissarju għar-Refuġjati

4 ta’ Novembru Preżentazzjoni mis-Sur Alex Tortell, Direttur, Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS)

Aġġornament miċ-Chairperson tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali dwar il-laqgħa li hi, flimkien maċ-Chairman tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi u ċ-Chairman tal-Kumitat Permanenti għall-Konsiderazzjoni ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi, kellhom mas-Sottokumitat tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti dwar il-Prevenzjoni tat-Tortura, fid-9 ta’ Ottubru

Aġġornament miċ-Chairperson tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali dwar il-parteċipazzjoni tagħha fil-laqgħa taċ-Chairpersons ta’ Kumitati dwar id-drittijiet fundamentali organizzata mill-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea, fit-13 u l-14 ta’ Ottubru ġewwa Ruma.

Il-Kumitat kellu wkoll tliet laqgħat informali:

12 ta’ Frar Żjara f’Lyster Barracks fejn il-Membri tal-Kumitat ġew imdawra mis-Sur Mario Schembri, Kap tal-Operazzjonijiet, u mill-istaff tas-Servizzi ta’ Detenzjoni mal-kwartieri fejn jgħixu l-immigranti

Żjara fiċ-Ċentru Miftuħ ta’ Ħal Far Tent Village mas-Sur Alex Tortell, Direttur, AWAS

5 ta’ Mejju Preżentazzjoni mis-CEO tal-Isptar Monte Carmeli, Dr Clifton Grima, dwar id-detenzjoni u t-trattament fl-Isptar Monte Carmeli tal-immigranti illegali li jbatu minn problema ta’ saħħa mentali.

2.6 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja twaqqaf permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 23 approvata fit-22 ta’ April 2013 u hu magħmul kif ġej:

President Onor. Anthony Agius Decelis

Membri Onor. Joe Cassar Onor. Etienne Grech Onor. Paula Mifsud Bonnici Onor. Deborah Schembri

Onor. Anthony Agius Decelis

Ir-rwol ewlieni tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja hu li jiddiskuti kwestjonijiet u liġijiet relatati mal-affarijiet tal-familja. Il-ħidma tal-Kumitat hija regolata mill-Ordni Permanenti 120H:

‘120H. (1) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja jkollu l-funzjoni li jittratta l-materji kollha marbuta mal-familja, inkluża l-evalwazzjoni, analiżi u verifika tal-leġiżlazzjoni u

politika preżenti u futura dwar il-familja, u kull materja oħra li tiġi riferita lilu mill-Kamra jew mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra.

(2) II-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja jkun magħmul minn ħames membri, tlieta jiġu maħtura min-naħa tal-Gvern, fosthom il-President tal-Kumitat, u tnejn min-naħa tal-Oppożizzjoni.

(3) Id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafu (3) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120E japplikaw mutatis mutandis għall-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja.’

Fl-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Familja ltaqa’ tliet darbiet kif ġej:

24 ta’ Marzu Diskussjoni ma’ Dr Manwel Schembri dwar iż-żwieġ fil-liġi kanonika u fil-liġi ċivili f’pajjiżna

3 ta’ Ġunju Preżentazzjoni minn Dr Ruth Farrugia, Chairperson, Kummissjoni Nazzjonali għall-Politika u l-Istrateġija dwar it-Tfal, fuq abbozz ta’ liġi dwar il-protezzjoni tat-tfal

9 ta’ Diċembru Diskussjoni ma’ Fr Charles Tabone dwar l-irwol tal-familja fis-soċjetà Maltija tal-lum.

2.7 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji

Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji ġiet stabbilita permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 25 tat-23 ta’ April 2013 u sussegwentement emendata bil-Mozzjoni Nru 47 tal-11 ta’ Ġunju 2013 kif ġej:

President Onor. Silvio Schembri

Membri Onor. Charles Buhagiar Onor. Mario de Marco Onor. Kristy Debono Onor. Michael Falzon Onor. Tonio Fenech Onor. Edward Scicluna Onor. Silvio Schembri

Il-ħidma tal-Kumitat hija regolata mill-Ordni Permanenti 120I:

‘120I. (1) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji jkollu s-setgħa li:

(a) fuq inizjattiva tiegħu stess, jikkonsidra minn perspettiva ekonomika u finanzjarja, kull deċiżjoni, rakkomandazzjoni jew rapport ippubblikat lokalment, mill-Istituzzjonijiet Ewropej jew minn organizzazzjonijiet internazzjonali, li jista’ jkollhom impatt fuq l-ekonomija Maltija;

(b) jitlob persuni appuntati mill-Gvern ta’ Malta fuq l-organi governattivi u amministrattivi tal-Mekkaniżmu Ewropew ta’ Stabilità (MES), kif provdut fl-artikolu 7 tal-Att dwar il-Parteċipazzjoni u l-Għoti ta’ Appoġġ għall-Istabbiltà, jidhru quddiem il-kumitat sabiex jagħtu rendikont tal-ħidma tal-MES u tal-faċilità għall-istabilità finanzjarja Ewropea (EFSF);

(ċ) jitlob lill-Gvernatur tal-Bank Ċentrali ta’ Malta jidher quddiem il-kumitat kif provdut fl-artikolu 8(6) tal-Att dwar il-Bank Ċentrali ta’ Malta;

(d) jikkonsidra kull materja jew rapport li jista’ jiġi riferut lilu mill-Kamra jew mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix- Xogħol tal-Kamra; u

(e) jikkonsidra kull materja jew rapport li jista’ jiġi riferut lilu minn xi kumitat tal-Kamra.

(2) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji għandu jkun magħmul minn mhux aktar minn seba’ membri li minnhom erbgħa jikkostitwixxu quorum. Il-membri għandhom jintgħażlu b’dak il-mod li jkunu ġustament jirrappreżentaw lill-Kamra b’mod ġenerali, u proporzjonali skont l-għadd ta’ membri tal-Gvern u tal-Oppożizzjoni, b’mod partikolari.

(3) Wieħed minn dawk il-membri nominati mill-Gvern għandu jinħatar bħala President tal-kumitat.

(4) Id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafi (3) u (4) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120B għandhom japplikaw mutatis mutandis għall-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji.’

Fl-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji ltaqa’ ħames darbiet kif ġej:

15 ta’ Jannar Konklużjonijiet tal-Bank Ċentrali ta’ Malta fuq ir-rati ta’ self mill-banek f’Malta

5 ta’ Mejju Abbuż fil-moviment liberu ta’ merkanzija

12 ta’ Mejju Preżentazzjoni mill-Prof Josef Bonnici, Gvernatur tal-Bank Ċentrali ta’ Malta, dwar is-Central Bank of Malta Annual Report 2013: Recent Economic Developments and Structural Considerations

2 ta’ Ġunju Preżentazzjoni mis-Sur Alfred Camilleri, Segretarju Permanenti fil-Ministeru tal-Finanzi, dwar il-Mekkaniżmu tal-Faċilità Ewropea ta’ Stabbiltà Finanzjarja skont id-dispożizzjoni tal-Kap. 523 tal-Liġijiet ta’ Malta, l-Att dwar il-Parteċipazzjoni u l-Għoti ta’ Appoġġ għall-Istabbiltà Finanzjarja skont il-Mekkaniżmu ta’ Stabbiltà Ewropea

15 ta’ Diċembru Laqgħa Konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej u mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi dwar l-Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors on the Budget for the Financial Year 2013 u l-ħidma tal-Membru Malti f’din il-Qorti.

2.8 Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa

Dan il-Kumitat twaqqaf wara li l-Kamra approvat b’mod unanimu l-mozzoni tal-Membru tal-Oppożizzjoni l-Onor. Claudio Grech, ippreżentata fit-18 ta’ Novembru 2013. Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa ġiet stabbilita permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 106 approvata fit-12 ta’ Marzu 2014 u sussegwentement emendata bil-Mozzjoni Nru 127 tas-7 ta’ Mejju 2014, kif ġej:

President Onor. Etienne Grech

Membri Onor. Chris Fearne Onor. Deo Debattista Onor. Claudio Grech Onor. Michael Gonzi

Onor. Etienne Grech

Il-ħidma tal-Kumitat hija regolata mill-Ordni Permanenti 120J:

‘120J. (1) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa jkollu s-setgħa li:

(a) fuq inizjattiva tiegħu stess, jiddiskuti policy u materji fil-qasam tas-saħħa li jkollhom importanza strateġika u ta’ interess materjali għall-pazjenti u jirrapporta fuqhom lill-Kamra;

(b) jifli kull rapport, pjan strateġiku, pjan ta’ ħidma kif ukoll policy riferuti lilu mill-Kamra, mill-Ministru jew minn xi Kumitat Permanenti ieħor;

(ċ) jifli materji u ħwejjeġ li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-infiq kapitali u rikorrenti ta’ dawk id-dipartimenti, awtoritajiet statutorji u organizzazzjonijiet pubbliċi li joperaw fil-qasam tas-saħħa pubblika;

(d) jifli materji u ħwejjeġ li għandhom x’jaqsmu mas-saħħa pubblika u d-drittijiet tal-pazjent;

(e) jiddiskuti u janalizza l-impatt tad-deċiżjonijiet tal-gvern u l-Unjoni Ewropea fil-qasam tas-saħħa;

(f) jeżamina u jirrapporta lill-Kamra dwar rapporti u dokumenti li għandhom x’jaqsmu magħhom, li jsiru mill-Awditur Ġenerali jew mill-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa;

(g) jitlob lill-Kummissarju għas-Saħħa biex jidher quddiem il-Kumitat dwar materji relatati mal-ħidma tiegħu; u

(h) jitlob biex persuni jidhru quddiem l-istess Kumitat sabiex jagħmlu espożizzjoni jew jagħtu rendikont tal-ħidma u tar-responsabbiltajiet tagħhom fl-oqsma li jaqgħu taħt dan l-istess Kumitat.

(2) Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa għandu jkun magħmul minn mhux aktar minn ħames membri li minnhom tlieta jikkostitwixxu quorum. Il-membri għandhom jintgħażlu b’dak il-mod li jkunu ġustament jirrappreżentaw lill-Kamra b’mod ġenerali u proporzjonali skont l-għadd ta’ Membri tal-Gvern u tal-Oppożizzjoni, b’mod partikolari.

(3) Wieħed minn dawk il-Membri nominati mill-Gvern għandu jinħatar bħala President tal-Kumitat.

(4) Id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-paragrafi (3) u (4) tal-Ordni Permanenti 120B għandhom japplikaw mutatis mutandis għall-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa.’

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa ltaqa’ disa’ darbiet fl-2014 kif ġej:

26 ta’ Marzu Indirizz mill-kelliem tal-Oppożizzjoni għas-Saħħa, l-Onor. Claudio Grech

Indirizz mill-Ministru għas-Saħħa, l-Onor. Godfrey Farrugia

Il-Programm ta’ Ħidma tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar is-Saħħa

Is-sostenibilità fis-servizz tas-saħħa

16 ta’ April Diskussjoni mal-Unions ewlenin dwar is-sitwazzjoni tar-relazzjonijiet industrijali fis-settur tas-saħħa

4 ta’ Ġunju Preżentazzjoni minn Dr Christopher Barbara, Chairman Kliniku tad-Dipartiment tal-Patoloġija, dwar policies li jillimitaw l-infezzjonijiet li jittieħdu fl-isptar

8 ta’ Lulju Faċilitajiet ta’ saħħa mentali għat-tfal

13 ta’ Ottubru Indirizz mill-Kummissarju Ewropew għas-Saħħa, Dr Tonio Borg

12 ta’ Novembru Laqgħa Konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali fuq il-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti

19 ta’ Novembru Laqgħa Konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali fuq il-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti (Kontinwazzjoni)

26 ta’ Novembru Laqgħa Konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali fuq il-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti (Kontinwazzjoni)

17 ta’ Diċembru Laqgħa Konġunta mal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali fuq il-liġi dwar it-trapjant tal-organi u t-tessuti (Kontinwazzjoni).

2.9 Kumitat Permanenti għall-Konsiderazzjoni ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi

Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Kumitat Permanenti għall-Konsiderazzjoni ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi ġiet stabbilita permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 22 approvata fit-22 ta’ April 2013 u sussegwentement emendata bil-Mozzjoni Nru 132 tas-7 ta’ Mejju 2014 kif ġej:

President Onor. Silvio Parnis

Membri Seba’ membri: erbgħa min-naħa tal-Gvern, inkluż il-President, u tlieta min-naħa tal-Oppożizzjoni, appuntati skont l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi għad-diskussjoni

Onor. Silvio Parnis

Ir-rwol ewlieni tal-Kumitat Permanenti għall-Konsiderazzjoni ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi hu li jikkonsidra abbozzi ta’ liġi riferuti lilu mill-Kamra wara li jkunu ġew diskussi fl-istadju tat-Tieni Qari jew inkella riferuti mill-Kumitat dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra. Ix-xogħol tal-Kumitat hu regolat mill-Ordni Permanenti 120B:

‘120B. (1) B’żieda mal-Kumitati Permanenti elenkati fl-Ordni Permanenti 120A, il-Kamra tista’ taħtar, b’mozzjoni li ssir wara li jingħata avviż, dawk il-Kumitati Permanenti li jistgħu jinħtieġu sabiex jikkunsidraw Abbozzi jew ta’ Liġi jew xogħol ieħor miġjub quddiem kumitat permanenti jew lilu riferut mill-Kamra.

(2) Mozzjoni bħal dik imsemmija fil-paragrafu (1) ta’ dan l-Ordni Permanenti, għandha:

(a) tistabbilixxi l-għadd ta’ membri li joqogħdu fil-kumitat permanenti, li għandu hekk jintgħamel b’dak il-mod li jidher li jkun prattikabbli għall-Kamra b’hekk li jkun rappreżentattiv b’mod ġust tal-Kamra b’mod ġenerali u proporzjonali skont l-għadd ta’ membri tal-Gvern u tal-Oppożizzjoni b’mod partikolari; u

(b) tinnomina l-President li għandu jippresiedi l-kumitat permanenti.

(3) Kull naħa tal-Kamra għandha tinnomina lil dawk il-membri li jkunu se jirrappreżentawha f’kumitat permanenti, u għandha wkoll tinnomina membri oħra li jidħlu minflok il-membri maħtura. Il-membri u dawk li jidħlu minflokhom li jkunu jirrappreżentaw lill-Gvern għandhom jiġu nominati mill-Kap tal-Kamra, filwaqt li l-membri u dawk li jidħlu minflokhom li jirrappreżentaw lill-Oppożizzjoni għandhom jiġu nominati mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni. L-ismijiet tal-membri u ta’ dawk li jidħlu minflokhom li jkunu ġew hekk nominati u maħtura mill-Kamra għandhom jitniżżlu fil-minuti tas-seduta.

(4) Kull naħa tal-Kamra tista’ tissostitwixxi lil kull membru jew wieħed li jidħol floku minnha nominat skont il-paragrafu (3) ta’ dan l-Ordni sabiex jirrappreżentaha f’kumitat permanenti. Dik is-sostituzzjoni jkollha biss effett wara li l-Ispeaker ikun ġie notifikat b’dan. L-Ispeaker għandu, fl-ewwel okkażjoni li jkun hemm, jinnotifika lill-Kamra, jew, jekk il-Kamra ma tkunx qed tiltaqa’, lill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra.

(5) Abbozzi ta’ liġi tal-Gvern li jintbagħtu quddiem kumitat permanenti, għandhom jiġu qabel ix-xogħol l-ieħor tal-kumitat permanenti u għandhom ikunu kkunsidrati, kemm-il darba ma jiġix ordnat mod ieħor mill-Kamra, f’dak l-ordni li l-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra jista’ jistabbilixxi.’

Fl-2014, il-Kumitat Permanenti għall-Konsiderazzjoni ta’ Abbozzi ta’ Liġi ltaqa’ 22 darba. 26 abbozzi ta’ liġi ġew diskussi, approvati u riferuti lura lill-Kamra għat-Tielet Qari.

Dettalji tal-laqgħat li nżammu matul l-2014 huma kif ġej:

21 ta’ Jannar Abbozz 27 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 6)

Abbozz 25 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 5)

3 ta’ Frar Abbozz 22 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 3)

Abbozz 23 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 4)

4 ta’ Frar Abbozz 20 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar l-Unjonijiet Ċivili

18 ta’ Frar Abbozz 20 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar l-Unjonijiet Ċivili (Kontinwazzjoni)

25 ta’ Frar Abbozz 20 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar l-Unjonijiet Ċivili (Kontinwazzjoni)

5 ta’ Marzu Abbozz 25 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 5) (Kontinwazzjoni)

Abbozz 34 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li Jemenda Diversi Liġijiet li jirrigwardaw Materji Kriminali

12 ta’ Marzu Abbozz 25 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 5) (Kontinwazzjoni)

Abbozz 31 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Affarijiet tal-Konsumatur

17 ta’ Marzu Abbozz 18 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta

24 ta’ Marzu Abbozz 33 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Liġijiet tal-Komunikazzjonijiet

25 ta’ Marzu Abbozz 42 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta u Diversi Liġijiet dwar l-Elezzjoni

14 ta’ April Abbozz 32 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar Trusts u Trustees

9 ta’ Ġunju Abbozz 30 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar il-Professjoni tax-Xogħol maż-Żgħażagħ

10 ta’ Ġunju Abbozz 39 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar iż-Żwieġ

Abbozz 40 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar Servizzi ta’ Investiment

16 ta’ Ġunju Abbozz 46 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Kummissarju tat-Taxxi

14 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 52 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Interpretazzjoni

Abbozz 53 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda diversi liġijiet li jirrigwardaw Materji Kriminali (Emenda Nru 2)

15 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 53 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda diversi liġijiet li jirrigwardaw Materji Kriminali (Emenda Nru 2) (Kontinwazzjoni)

16 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 60 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar il-Privattivi Industrijali u d-Disinni

17 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 53 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda diversi liġijiet li jirrigwardaw Materji Kriminali (Emenda Nru 2) (Kontinwazzjoni)

18 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 49 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar ir-Responsabilità Fiskali

21 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 61 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar it-Trasferiment tal-Attiv, id-Drittijiet, id-Debiti u l-Obbligi ta’ Enemalta

22 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 57 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali (Emenda Nru 5)

Abbozz 50 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar il-Blata Kontinentali

Abbozz 51 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar l-Ibħra Territorjali u ż-Żona Kontigwa

Abbozz 47 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar ix-Xandir

Abbozz 24 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar Tfal u Żgħażagħ (Ordnijiet għall-Ħarsien)

29 ta’ Lulju Abbozz 54 – Abbozz ta’ Liġi li jemenda l-Att dwar it-Trattament Xieraq tal-Annimali.

2.10 Kumitat tal-Kontijiet dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika

Il-Kumitat tal-Kontijiet dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika twaqqaf bil-Mozzjoni Nru 31 approvata fid-29 ta’ April 2013 skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tat-Taqsima IV tal-Att dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika (Kap. 396) kif ġej:

‘13. Għandu jkun hemm Kumitat li jkun magħruf bħala l-Kumitat tal-Kontijiet dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika (hawnhekk iżjed ʼil quddiem imsejjaħ ‘il-Kumitat’) li jkun kompost kif ġej:

(i) dak il-membru tal-Kamra tad-Deputati li għal dak iż-żmien ikun President tal-Kumitat dwar il-Kontijiet Pubbliċi tal-Kamra tad-Deputati jew ta’ xi kumitat ieħor bħal dak tal-Kamra li minn żmien għal żmien jissostitwixxi lil dak il-Kumitat;

(ii) il-Ministru responsabbli għall-affarijiet tal-Parlament (hawnhekk iżjed ʼil quddiem imsejjaħ ‘Leader tal-Kamra tad-Deputati’);

(iii) tliet membri tal-Kamra tad-Deputati li jinħatru mill-imsemmija Kamra fuq mozzjoni tal-Leader tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, għal dawk li huma żewġ membri minn fost deputati li jappoġġjaw lill-Gvern u l-membru l-ieħor minn fost il-membri tal-Oppożizzjoni.

14. Il-Kumitat għandu minn żmien għal żmien mhux inqas minn darba fis-sena jippreżenta lill-Kamra tad-Deputati (permezz tal-Leader tal-Kamra tad-Deputati) rapport dwar l-attivitajiet tiegħu u r-rapport tal-eżami li jkun għamel ta’ xi estimi li jkunu tħejjew mill-Awditur Ġenerali.

15. Il-Kumitat għandu jeleġġi President minn fost il-membri tiegħu, u jista’ jirregola l-proċedimenti tiegħu nnifsu.

16. Max-xoljiment tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, għandu jitqies li l-Kumitat ikun ġie xolt sakemm jiġi kostitwit għal darb’oħra wara li l-Kamra terġa’ tiltaqa’ għall-ewwel darba. Meta max-xoljiment tal-Kamra tad-Deputati s-somma li jkollha tiġi stabbilita għall-għanijiet tal-paragrafu 8 tat-Taqsima III ma tkunx ġiet hekk stabbilita jew il-Kamra ma tkunx wara t-tmiem ta’ sena finanzjarja stabbiliet dik is-somma, l-Awditur Ġenerali jkollu l-jedd jonfoq kull xahar somma li tkun ekwivalenti għal wieħed minn tnax tas-somma jew somom stabbiliti għas-sena finanzjarja ta’ qabel, sakemm dik is-somma tiġi hekk stabbilita.

17. M’għandhiex tintlaqat il-validità ta’ kull proċediment tal-Kumitat meta jkun hemm xi vakanza fost il-membri tiegħu jew xi difett fil-ħatra jew nomina ta’ xi wieħed mill-membri tiegħu.’

Il-Kumitat tal-Kontijiet dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika hu magħmul kif ġej:

President Onor. Louis Grech, Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Affarijiet Ewropej u Twettiq tal-Manifest Elettorali

Membri Onor. Chris Agius Onor. Tonio Fenech Onor. Chris Said Onor. Silvio Schembri Onor. Louis Grech

Matul l-2014, il-Kumitat tal-Kontijiet dwar l-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika ltaqa’ darbtejn kif ġej:

28 ta’ Ottubru Riżoluzzjonijiet fuq it-trasferiment ta’:

- Proprjetà fi Triq Santa Luċija, Naxxar, lil Victoria Club - Proprjetà fi Pjazza Santa Liena, Birkirkara, lis-Soċjetà Dun Filippu Borgia - Dar Osanna Pia fi Triq Imrabat, San Ġiljan, lis-Soċjetà Salesjana - Casa Flamini fi Pjazza Raħal Ġdid, Raħal Ġdid, lill-klabb tal-futbol Hibernians - Palazzo de La Salle fi Triq ir-Repubblika, Valletta, lis-Soċjetà Maltija tal-Arti - Art f’Pembroke lil Malta BMX Association - Art f’Pembroke lill-Ambaxxata Ċiniża f’Malta - Art fil-Marsa lill-Provinċja Agostinjana ta’ Malta

11 ta’ Novembru Riżoluzzjoni fuq it-trasferiment ta’:

- Art f’Pembroke lill-Ambaxxata Ċiniża f’Malta (Kontinwazzjoni)

Rapport Annwali u Stqarrijiet Finanzjarji tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika għas-sena li għalqet fil-31 ta’ Diċembru 2013 u Estimi Finanzjarji tal-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika għas-sena 2015.

2.11 Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp

Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp ġie maħtur permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 30 approvata fid-29 ta’ April 2013 skont id-dispożizzjonijiet tal-Artikolu 34 tal-Att dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp (Kap. 504) li jaqra hekk:

‘34. (1) Għandu jkun hemm Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar tal-Iżvilupp li għandu jkun magħmul minn ħames membri maħtura mill-Kamra, li minnhom tlieta jkunu membri li jappoġġjaw lill-Gvern, u li minn fosthom wieħed jinħatar bħala President u li t-tnejn l-oħra jkunu membri magħżula mill-Oppożizzjoni.

(2) Il-Kumitat Permanenti għandu:

(a) jagħmel reviżjoni ta’ kull pjan li jitressaq quddiem il-Kamra tad-Deputati skont id-dispożizzjonijiet ta’ dan l-Att. Il-Kumitat Permanenti għandu jirrakkomanda lill-Kamra jekk dak il-pjan għandux jiġi approvat, approvat b’emendi jew riġettat;

(b) jiddiskuti kull rapport riferut lilu mill-Ministru li għandu x’jaqsam mal-pjan ta’ struttura jew kull reviżjoni ta’ dak il-pjan;

(ċ) jiddiskuti kull pjan jew policies oħra riferuta lilu mill-Ministru u jirrapporta fuqu lill-Parlament. Dan ir-rapport jista’ jinkludi wkoll kull opinjoni li ma jaqblux dwar il-pjan jew policies. Il-Ministru għandu jieħu konjizzjoni tal-imsemmi rapport u għandu jibgħat ir-rapport lill-Awtorità għall-konsiderazzjoni tagħha fid-determinazzjoni mill-Awtorità tal-pjan jew policy jekk l-imsemmi pjan jew policy tkun għadha ma ġietx approvata mill-Awtorità:

Iżda meta l-imsemmi Kumitat Permanenti jonqos milli jirrapporta lill-Parlament fil-perjodu li għalih kien mitlub li jagħmel dan, il-Ministru jista’ jitlob lill-Awtorità tiffinalizza l-imsemmi pjan jew policy, u l-Ministru jista’ wkoll japprova l-imsemmi pjan jew policy kif mgħoddija lilu mill-Awtorità.

(3) Meta jingħata avviż ta’ mozzjoni, bħal dik imsemmija fl-artikolu 53(2) mill-Ministru, dik il-mozzjoni għandha tintbagħat quddiem il-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kamra, u dak il-Kumitat Permanenti għandu jiddiskuti dik il-mozzjoni u jagħmel rapport dwarha lill-Kamra.

(4) Mhux aktar tard minn xahar wara li avviż kif hemm imsemmi fis-subartikolu (3) jintbagħat lill-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kamra, dan għandu jiddiskuti l-pjan ta’ struttura jew reviżjoni tiegħu, u għandu, mhux aktar tard minn xahar wara li l-imsemmi pjan ta’ struttura jew reviżjoni tiegħu jkun intbagħat lilu, jagħmel rapport dwaru lill-Kamra:

Iżda fejn dak il-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kamra ma jagħmilx rapport lill-Kamra fi żmien l-imsemmi perjodu ta’ xahar, il-Kamra tkun tista’ tgħaddi biex tiddiskuti l-mozzjoni.

(5) Meta r-rapport tal-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kamra fuq xi mozzjoni jkun wieħed unanimu, il-Kamra għandha tgħaddi biex tivvota fuq dik il-mozzjoni u fuq kull emenda li tiġi proposta f’dak ir-rapport mingħajr ebda dibattitu.’

Il-Mozzjoni Nru 30 tipprovdi li l-Kumitat ikun magħmul minn tliet membri min-naħa tal-Gvern, inkluż il-President, u żewġ membri min-naħa tal-Oppożizzjoni. Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Kumitat ġiet mibdula permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 105 approvata mill-Kamra fit-12 ta’ Marzu 2014 kif ġej:

President Onor. Marlene Farrugia

Membri Onor. Toni Bezzina Onor. Charles Buhagiar Onor. Joseph M. Sammut Onor. George Pullicino

Onor. Marlene Farrugia

Fl-2014, il-Kumitat iltaqa’ seba’ darbiet. Dettalji tal-laqgħat huma kif ġej:

29 ta’ Jannar Informazzjoni dwar policies tal-MEPA

26 ta’ Frar Informazzjoni dwar policies tal-MEPA (Kontinwazzjoni)

12 ta’ Marzu Diskussjoni dwar id-dokument maħruġ mill-Awtorità ta’ Malta dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar intitolat Outside Development Zone (ODZ) Policy and Design Guidance, datat Jannar 2014

2 ta’ April Diskussjoni dwar id-dokument maħruġ mill-Awtorità ta’ Malta dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar, intitolat Outside Development Zone (ODZ) Policy and Design Guidance, datat Jannar 2014 (Kontinwazzjoni)

19 ta’ Mejju Diskussjoni dwar id-dokument maħruġ mill-Awtorità ta’ Malta dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar, intitolat Fireworks Factory Complexes Policy, datat Diċembru 2013

27 ta’ Ottubru Diskussjoni dwar id-dokument maħruġ mill-Awtorità ta’ Malta dwar l-Ambjent u l-Ippjanar, intitolat Petrol Stations Policy, datat Awwissu 2014

Diskussjoni dwar it-talba li saret mill-Għaqda Mhux Governattiva “Flimkien għall-Ambjent Aħjar” dwar il-bini ta’ cement silo u r-rapport imħejji minn Dr Julian Mamo u Dr John Paul Cauchi intitolat Report on a Cement Silo Development – A public health perspective u dak imħejji minn Dr Ramiro Cali-Corleo intitolat Health Impact Review on the Proposed Cement Silo at the Kordin Terminal

26 ta’ Novembru Diskussjoni dwar il-kwestjonijiet ambjentali u ta’ saħħa li jista’ jkun hemm fl-iżvilupp fil-viċinanzi ta’ Kordin Grain Terminal (Kontinwazzjoni).

2.12 Grupp Parlamentari dwar il-Kapitali Ewropea tal-Kultura

Il-kompożizzjoni tal-Grupp Parlamentari dwar il-Kapitali Ewropea tal-Kultura, stabbilita fil-laqgħat tal-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra tal-25 ta’ Ġunju u tat-8 ta’ Lulju 2013, hi kif ġej:

President Onor. Deo Debattista

Membri Onor. Luciano Busuttil Onor. Mario de Marco Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech

Onor. Deo Debattista

Matul l-2014, il-Grupp Parlamentari dwar il-Kapitali Ewropea tal-Kultura ltaqa’ ħames darbiet sabiex jiddiskuti materji li għandhom x’jaqsmu ma’ Valletta 18: the European Capital of Culture 2018 kif ġej:

21 ta’ Jannar Laqgħa mal-Onor. José Herrera, Segretarju Parlamentari għall-Kultura u Gvern Lokali, mas-Sur Jason Micallef, Chairman tal-Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 u ma’ Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, dwar xogħlijiet u inizjattivi li saru fl-2013 u dawk ippjanati għall-2014

18 ta’ Frar Laqgħa mal-Onor. José Herrera, Segretarju Parlamentari għall-Kultura u Gvern Lokali, mas-Sur Jason Micallef, Chairman tal-Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 u ma’ Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, dwar id-direttur artistiku u l-assistenti diretturi tal-programmi, u dwar proġetti kapitali, inkluż il-performing arts centre u l-cultural mapping

26 ta’ Mejju Laqgħa mal-Onor. Owen Bonnici, Ministru għall-Ġustizzja, Kultura u Gvern Lokali, mas-Sur Jason Micallef, Chairman tal-Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 u ma’ Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, dwar il-progress ta’ proġetti kapitali, inkluż

dak tas-Suq l-Antik u ta’ Strada Stretta, u dwar l-aċċessibilità u dwar id-direttur artistiku

22 ta’ Lulju Laqgħa mal-Onor. Owen Bonnici, Ministru għall-Ġustizzja, Kultura u Gvern Lokali, mal-Onor. Michael Falzon, Segretarju Parlamentari għall-Ippjanar u Simplifikazzjoni Amministrattiva, mas-Sur Jason Micallef, Chairman tal-Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 u ma’ Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, dwar bye-laws, it-tindif, ir-restawr u l-manutenzjoni ta’ bini, sistemi tad-dawl u l-koordinazzjoni ta’ avvenimenti

2 ta’ Diċembru Laqgħa mal-Onor. Owen Bonnici, Ministru għall-Ġustizzja, Kultura u Gvern Lokali, mas-Sur Jason Micallef, Chairman tal-Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 u ma’ Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, dwar ir-restawr ta’ bini, kummenti li għamel id-direttur artistiku u aġġornament fuq il-progress tal-proġetti kapitali.

3. KUMITATI MAGĦŻULA

L-Ordni Permanenti Nru 121 tipprovdi li:

‘Il-Kamra tista’ taħtar Kumitat Magħżul tal-membri tagħha biex jinvestiga kull suġġett. L-Ispeaker ikun jista’ jiġi maħtur Membru ta’ kull Kumitat Magħżul.’

Fis-Seduta 63 tas-16 ta’ Ottubru 2013, il-Kamra addottat b’mod unanimu riżoluzzjoni (Mozzjoni Nru 77) ppreżentata mid-Deputat Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Affarijiet Ewropej u Twettiq tal-Manifest Elettorali, l-Onor. Louis Grech, dwar il-ħatra ta’ Kumitat Magħżul tal-Kamra biex sal-15 ta’ Diċembru 2013 jagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet lill-Kamra dwar it-twaqqif ta’ Uffiċċju tal-Kummissarju u Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-iStandards, l-Etika u l-Imġiba Xierqa fil-Ħajja Pubblika.

Skont ir-riżoluzzjoni, il-Kumitat Magħżul kien kompost kif ġej:

President Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati

Membri Onor. Ryan Callus Onor. Justyne Caruana Onor. George Vella Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech

Onor. Anġlu Farrugia

Il-Mozzjoni Nru 77 tagħmel referenza għal mozzjoni oħra fuq dan is-suġġett, Mozzjoni Nru 69 ippreżentata mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni l-Onor. Simon Busuttil fit-30 ta’ Settembru 2013.

Il-Kumitat Magħżul iltaqa’ tliet darbiet fl-2013, fil-25 ta’ Ottubru, fil-5 ta’ Novembru u fis-26 ta’ Novembru u darbtejn fl-2014, fl-4 u fis-17 ta’ Frar.

L-Uffiċċju tal-Avukat Ġenerali ħejja abbozz ta’ liġi bbażat fuq id-diskussjonijiet li saru fil-Kumitat, liema abbozz ta’ liġi tqassam lill-Membri tal-Kumitat Magħżul fil-11 ta’ Diċembru 2013. L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia, bħala President tal-Kumitat, għamel rapport interim fuq il-progress li kien sar, liema rapport flimkien ma’ kopja tal-abbozz ta’ liġi, qegħedhom fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra fis-16 ta’ Diċembru 2013. Sabiex il-Kumitat Magħżul ikollu biżżejjed ħin biex jikkonsidra l-abbozz ta’ liġi mħejji mill-uffiċċju tal-Awditur Ġenerali, il-Kamra qablet li l-Kumitat Magħżul iressaq l-abbozz ta’ liġi finali għall-konsiderazzjoni tal-Kamra wara li l-Parlament jerġa’ jiltaqa’ wara l-waqfa għall-Milied.

Il-Kumitat Magħżul ikkonkluda l-ħidma tiegħu fl-2014 u fl-24 ta’ Marzu 2014, l-Ispeaker qiegħed fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra r-rapport finali tal-Kumitat Magħżul, inkluż l-abbozz ta’ liġi.

L-Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar Standards fil-Ħajja Pubblika, hekk kif abbozzat mill-Kumitat Magħżul tal-Kamra, ġie ppreżentat fil-Parlament mid-Deputat Prim Ministru Louis Grech, u l-Ewwel Qari tiegħu kien issekondat mill-Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech min-naħa tal-Oppożizzjoni. L-Abbozz ta’ Liġi ġie ppubblikat fil-15 ta’ Lulju 2014.

4. ATTIVITAJIET INTERNAZZJONALI

Matul is-sena, il-Kamra tad-Deputati kompliet tistabbilixxi kuntatti ma’ parlamenti oħra madwar id-dinja.

L-Ispeaker, minbarra li laqa’ viżitaturi barranin fil-Parlament Malti, mexxa wkoll diversi delegazzjonijiet magħmula minn membri miż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra lejn parlamenti oħra u li pparteċipaw f’laqgħat interparlamentari barra l-pajjiż.

4.1 Żjarat barra minn Malta u parteċipazzjoni f’fora internazzjonali mill-Ispeaker

4.1.1 Żjara Uffiċjali fi New South Wales, l-Awstralja u t-22 Konferenza ta’ Speakers u Presiding Officers tal-Commonwealth, Wellington, New Zealand

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia u l-Iskrivan tal-Kamra, is-Sur Raymond Scicluna, ħadu sehem fit-22 Konferenza ta’ Speakers u Presiding Officers tal-Commonwealth li nżammet ġewwa Wellington, New Zealand, bejn il-21 u l-24 ta’ Jannar. Din il-konferenza laqqgħet aktar minn 50 Speaker minn parlamenti ta’ pajjiżi fil-Commonwealth sabiex flimkien jiddiskutu kif il-parlamenti jistgħu jitressqu eqreb lejn iċ-ċittadini fl-era diġitali u b’hekk jibqgħu relevanti, il-privileġġ parlamentari u l- protezzjoni tat-tħaddim tajjeb tad-demokraziji, l-isfidi għal parlamenti żgħar u l-ftuħ u t-trasparenza fil-ħidma parlamentari.

L-Ispeaker Farrugia tkellem dwar il-privileġġ parlamentari u qal li kull Membru Parlamentari għandu juża l-privileġġ li jitkellem b’mod liberu fil-Kamra, b’mod responsabbli u għamel referenza għas-sistema tad-dritt għal risposta taċ-ċittadin li teżisti fil-Parlament ta’ New South Wales sabiex tikkontrolla dan il-privileġġ.

L-Ispeaker Farrugia mexxa r-raba’ sessjoni dwar il-ftuħ u t-trasparenza fil-ħidma parlamentari. Fir-rimarki tiegħu, huwa qal illi minkejja li l-parlamenti kollha għandhom skali differenti u jinsabu fi stadji differenti ta’ żvilupp, kollha għandhom l-għan li jippromwovu d-demokrazija fil-pajjiżi tal-Commonwealth. Huwa fakkar il-benchmarks stabbiliti mill-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth li magħhom il-parlamenti jistgħu jkejlu l-livell ta’ ftuħ u trasparenza tagħhom.

Waqt il-laqgħa tar-Reġjun tal-Gżejjer Brittanniċi u l-Mediterran, l-Ispeaker Farrugia ressaq il-każ illi Malta għandha jkollha l-opportunità li tokkupa s-siġġu ta’ dan ir-reġjun fil-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Konferenza u li m’għandhiex tkun dejjem id-delegazzjoni Brittannika li tokkupa dan is-siġġu, liema argument sab appoġġ konsiderevoli.

Fi triqitha lejn New Zealand, id-delegazzjoni Maltija żaret ukoll il-Parlament ta’ New South Wales ġewwa Sydney fejn saru diversi laqgħat. Is-suġġetti ewlenin li tqajmu f’dawn il-laqgħat kienu l-proċedura tad-dritt għal risposta taċ-ċittadin, ir-rwol tal-Kummissarju għall-Istandards u t-trattament ta’ mozzjonijiet meta l-parlament ikun xolt qabel elezzjoni ġenerali.

4.1.2 Parteċipazzjoni fiċ-ċerimonja ta’ ċelebrazzjoni tal-adozzjoni tal-Kostituzzjoni Tuneżina, it-Tuneżija

Fuq stedina tal-President tal-Assemblea Nazzjonali Kostitwenti tat-Tuneżija, Dr Mustapha Ben Jaafar, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia ħa sehem f’ċerimonja organizzata mill-President tat-Tuneżija, Dr Moncef Marzouki bejn is-6 u t-8 ta’ Frar, fl-okkażjoni tal-adozzjoni tal-Kostituzzjoni Tuneżina. Iċ-ċerimonja saret f’forma ta’ sessjoni straordinarja tal-Assemblea Nazzjonali Kostitwenti.

Għal din l-okkażjoni kienu preżenti għadd ta’ dinjitarji minn madwar id-dinja. Fl-indirizz tiegħu lill-Assemblea, l-Ispeaker Farrugia feraħ lill-poplu Tuneżin u lill-awtoritajiet għal dan l-iżvilupp politiku li għandu jservi ta’ eżempju għal pajjiżi oħra fir-reġjun. Huwa rrefera għall-elezzjonijiet li għandhom isiru aktar tard din is-sena, bħala għan politiku kruċjali għat-tisħiħ tal-proċess tranżizzjonali lejn id-demokrazija fit-Tuneżija, proċess li għandu l-appoġġ ta’ Malta.

4.1.3 Żjara uffiċjali f’Tbilisi, Ġeorġja

Delegazzjoni parlamentari mmexxija mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia żaret Tbilisi, il-Ġeorġja bejn l-24 u s-27 ta’ Frar 2014 fuq stedina tas-Sur David Usupashvili, l-Ispeaker tal-Parlament tal-Ġeorġja. Id-delegazzjoni kienet tinkludi lill-Whip tal-Gvern Carmelo Abela u l-Whip tal-Oppożizzjoni David Agius. Waqt il-laqgħa mal-Ispeaker Usupashvili, l-Ispeaker Farrugia qal li Malta tappoġġja l-pożizzjoni tal-UE favur l-integrità territorjali tal-Ġeorġja fi ħdan il-fruntieri tagħha rikonoxxuti internazzjonalment u qal li l-Parlament Malti jinkoraġġixxi lill-Parlament tal-Ġeorġja sabiex jiffirma u jirratifika l-ftehim ta’ assoċjazzjoni mal-UE.

Id-delegazzjoni parlamentari Maltija kellha wkoll laqgħat maċ-Chairman tal-Kumitat għall-Affarijiet Barranin, is-Sur Tedo Japaridze, mal-Viċi Prim Ministru u Ministru għall-Enerġija, is-Sur Kakha Kaladze, maċ-Chairman tal-Kumitat dwar l-Integrazzjoni Ewropea tal-Parlament tal-Ġeorġja, is-Sur Victor Dolidze, mad-Deputat Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin tal-Ġeorġja, is-Sja Tamar Beruchashvili u mal-President tal-Ġeorġja, l-ET Giorgi Margvelashvili.

4.1.4 Konferenza Internazzjonali ‘What Europe stands for – Growth, jobs and rights: will the European Union rise to the occasion?’

Fit-13 u l-14 ta’ Marzu l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia ħa sehem fil-konferenza internazzjonali ko- organizzata mill-Kamra tad-Deputati tal-Italja u l-Parlament tal-Greċja dwar jekk l-Unjoni Ewropea hux se jirnexxielha tilħaq il-miri tagħha fil-qasam ta’ tkabbir, impjiegi u drittijiet. Il-konferenza kienet maqsuma f’żewġ sessjonijiet: l-ewwel waħda indirizzat il-promozzjoni ta’ tkabbir qawwi u sostenibbli msejjes fuq impjiegi b’saħħithom sabiex tiġi megħluba l-kriżi, filwaqt li t-tieni sessjoni ttrattat kif jiġi assigurat ir-rispett għad-drittijiet fundamentali fl-Istati Membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea. L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia kien akkumpanjat mill-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Frederick Azzopardi.

Fl-intervent tiegħu waqt l-ewwel sessjoni, l-Ispeaker Farrugia qal li l-analisti issa qed josservaw xejriet pożittivi li jindikaw li l-ekonomija Ewropea qed tqum fuq saqajha b’ekonomiji li għaddew minn perjodi ta’ riċessjoni jerġgħu jibdew jaraw tkabbir. Huwa qal li filwaqt li skont iċ-ċifri jidher li l-kriżi għaddiet, din ħalliet warajha livelli għoljin ta’ qgħad f’ċertu Stati Membri. Huwa rrefera wkoll għaċ-ċifri ta’ qgħad fost iż-żgħażagħ, sitwazzjoni ta’ riskju li tista’ twassal sabiex tintilef ġenerazzjoni, fis-sens li għada pitgħada jista’ jkun hemm ġenerazzjoni li ma ngħatatx il-ħiliet u l-opportunitajiet meħtieġa biex minnha joħorġu mexxejja politiċi u tan-negozju. Huwa żied li għalkemm iċ-ċifri f’Malta mhumiex daqstant inkwetanti, huwa importanti ferm li jitħares ix-xogħol li huwa l-uniku riżors tal-pajjiż.

Il-Whip tal-Gvern, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela, indirizza t-tieni sessjoni dwar ir-rispett għad-drittijiet fundamentali fl-Istati Membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Fid-diskors tiegħu l-Onor. Abela tkellem dwar il-problemi li jħabbtu wiċċhom magħhom l-immigranti illegali u kif ir-Regolament Dublin II qiegħed ikollu impatt ħażin fuq Malta. Huwa żied jgħid li din tista’ tiġi indirizzata jekk ikun hemm burden sharing mill-Istati Membri kollha, għax din hija problema tal-Unjoni Ewropea kollha u mhux ta’ Malta biss.

4.1.5 Simposju Internazzjonali tal-2014 dwar id-Diplomazija Kulturali u r-Reliġjon, Ruma, l- Italja

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia pparteċipa fis-Simposju Internazzjonali tal-2014 dwar id-Diplomazija Kulturali u r-Reliġjon, bit-tema ‘The Promotion of World Peace through Inter-Faith Dialogue’, li kienet organizzata ġewwa Ruma mill-Istitut għad-Diplomazija Kulturali.

L-Ispeaker indirizza s-sessjoni ‘The Role of Inter-Faith Dialogue in Peace Building and Reconciliation’ fejn tkellem dwar ir-rwol tad-diplomazija kulturali u dwar il-potenzjal li għandha l-kultura li twassal bidliet u attitudni pożittiva lejn affarijiet ġodda f’ċerti sitwazzjonijiet. L-Ispeaker ikkonkluda billi qal illi l-mexxejja politiċi u reliġjużi għandhom ikomplu jmexxu bl-eżempju sabiex in-nies iħossuhom tassew parti u parteċipi fid-deċiżjonijiet li jittieħdu.

4.1.6 Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Parlamenti tal-Unjoni Ewropea f’Vilnius, il-Litwanja

Bejn is-6 u t-8 ta’ April, id-Deputy Speaker Ċensu Galea pparteċipa fil-Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Parlamenti tal-Unjoni Ewropea li saret f’Vilnius, Litwanja. Din il-laqgħa kienet waħda mil-laqgħat organizzati fil-qafas tal-Presidenza Litwana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Fuq l-aġenda ta’ din il-Konferenza kien hemm dawn is-suġġetti: The Role of Parliaments in tackling the Consequences of the Economic and Financial Crisis; Five Years after coming into force of the Treaty of Lisbon – Lessons of Subsidiarity Checks in Parliaments; Interparliamentary Cooperation with the Eastern Partnership Countries; u Interparliamentary Cooperation in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. L-Ispeakers qablu fuq Konklużjonijiet dwar it-temi diskussi fil-Konferenza.

4.1.7 Konferenza fuq it-tisħiħ tal-kapaċità ta’ membri parlamentari, imħallfin, u prosekuturi biex jipprevenu l-korruzzjoni fost il-karigi tagħhom: tendenzi emerġenti wara sentejn minn GRECO Round IV Evaluations, Vjenna, l-Awstrija

L-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, ħa sehem fil-konferenza Strengthening the Capacity of Parliamentarians, Judges and Prosecutors to Prevent Corruption in their own ranks: Emerging Trends from Two Years of GRECO Round IV Evaluations, organizzata ġewwa Laxenburg, l-Awstrija, mill-International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) fl-10 u l-11 ta’ April. L-IACA, organizzazzjoni żagħżugħa bbażata ġewwa Laxenburg, hija l-ewwel istituzzjoni globali tax-xorta tagħha dedikata sabiex jingħelbu n-nuqqasijiet preżenti fl-għarfien u l-prattika fil-qasam tal-ġlieda kontra l-korruzzjoni u jfittxu li jagħtu s-setgħa lil professjonisti jkunu kapaċi jaffaċċjaw l-isfidi tal-ġejjieni.

L-Ispeaker Farrugia indirizza l-ftuħ tal-High-Level Segment tal-Konferenza fejn tkellem dwar l-Att li jemenda l-Kodiċi Kriminali, l-Att dwar il-Protezzjoni ta’ Informatur, il-Kumitat Magħżul tal-Kamra mwaqqaf sabiex jagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet dwar it-ħatra ta’ Kummissarju u Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-iStandards, l-Etika u l-Imġiba Xierqa fil-Ħajja Pubblika u abbozz ta’ liġi li jimplimenta dawn ir-rakkomandazzjonijiet, u l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar il-Finanzjament tal-Partiti Politiċi.

L-Ispeaker kien akkumpanjat mill-Avukat Ġenerali, Dr Peter Grech.

4.1.8 Ċelebrazzjonijiet tal-25 Anniversarju mill-ewwel elezzjonijiet ħielsa li saru fil-Polonja wara l-1945, Varsavja, il-Polonja

Kif kien imħabbar waqt il-Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Parlamenti tal-Unjoni Ewropea li nżammet f’Vilnius fis-6 ta’ April, il-Marshal (Speaker) tas-Sejm, is-Sinjura Ewa Kopacz stiednet lill-Ispeakers

54 tal-parlamenti nazzjonali għaċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tal-25 anniversarju mill-ewwel elezzjonijiet ħielsa li saru fil-Polonja wara l-1945. Iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet saru fl-4 ta’ Ġunju f’Varsavja.

L-Ispeaker Farrugia indirizza sessjoni speċjali tas-Senat tar-Repubblika tal-Polonja, ippreseduta mill-ET Bogdan Borusewicz, Marshal tas-Senat Pollakk.

Fl-indirizz tiegħu, l-Ispeaker Farrugia fakkar l-avvenimenti li seħħew fl-1989 li wasslu għar-rebħa elettorali tal-moviment Pollakk Solidarność li serva ta’ katalist għall-proċess ta’ tranżizzjoni politika li nfirxet madwar l-Ewropa Ċentrali u tal-Lvant.

L-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati fakkar kif il-waqgħa tar-reġim Komunista fil-Polonja ġiet segwita mill-waqgħa tal-Ħajt ta’ Berlin kif ukoll it-tmiem tal-Gwerra Bierda. Huwa rrefera wkoll għas-Summit li nżamm f’Malta f’Diċembru 1989 bejn l-ex President Amerikan George H. W. Bush u l-ex mexxej tal-Unjoni Sovjetika Mikhail Gorbachev, fejn ġie ddikjarat it-tmiem uffiċjali tal-Gwerra Bierda.

Fil-konklużjoni tal-indirizz tiegħu, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia wassal l-awguri tar-rappreżentanti tal-Parlament ta’ Malta f’din l-okkażjoni.

4.1.9 Quddiesa tal-Kanonizzazzjoni mmexxija mill-Papa Franġisku

Fis-27 ta’ April, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia attenda għall-quddiesa tal-kanonizzazzjoni tal-Papa Ġwanni Pawlu II u tal-Papa Ġwanni XXIII li saret f’Ruma. Il-quddiesa kienet immexxija mill-Papa Franġisku u kkonċelebrata minn madwar 150 kardinal u 700 isqof. Mill-inqas, 500,000 ruħ semgħu din il-quddiesa fil-Pjazza San Pietru.

4.1.10 Konferenza organizzata mill-Kunsill Lokali ta’ Palazzolo Acreide, Sqallija

Fit-28 ta’ Ġunju, fuq stedina uffiċjali tas-Sindku ta’ Palazzolo Acreide Carlo Scibetta, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia kien fost il-persuni distinti mistiedna jipparteċipaw f’konferenza bit-tema Il territorio, la cultura, e le imprese multifunzionale per nuove forme di cooperazione nel Mediterraneo li nżammet fil-Palazzo Comunale ta’ Palazzolo Acreide.

Fi tmiem il-Konferenza, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia flimkien mal-mistiedna distinti, żaru l-inħawi fejn setgħu jaraw mill-qrib ir-realtajiet imprenditorjali ta’ dak ir-reġjun.

4.1.11 Il-11-il Workshop of Parliamentary Scholars and Parliamentarians, Wroxton, Renju Unit

Fis-26 u s-27 ta’ Lulju l-Ispeaker ħa sehem fil-11-il Workshop of Parliamentary Scholars and Parliamentarians organizzat mill-Università ta’ Hull flimkien mal-Inter-Parliamentary Union u maċ-Ċentru tal-Istudji Leġiżlattivi tal-istess Università ġewwa Oxfordshire fir-Renju Unit.

Waħda mit-temi ewlenin li ġew diskussi matul dan il-workshop kienet il-kontabilità tal-Membri Parlamentari, inkluż fit-twettiq u t-tfassil tal-politika tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

Fl-intervent tiegħu, l-Ispeaker tenna li kull forma ta’ nuqqas minn Membru jew Membri Parlamentari, jimmina serjament il-fiduċja taċ-ċittadini fl-istess politiku jew politiċi eletti u dan iwassal sabiex l-istess fiduċja tonqos ukoll lejn l-istat u l-istituzzjonijiet b’detriment lejn is-sistema politika kollha.

Dwar l-istituzzjonijiet tal-UE u t-tħaddim tagħhom, l-Ispeaker qal li dawn l-istess istituzzjonijiet għandhom jaraw, kif għandhom l-obbligu, li jippromwovu t-trasparenza u li jaraw li d-deċiżjonijiet li jittieħdu jkunu fl-interess taċ-ċittadin Ewropew. Huwa argumenta li t-trasparenza tista’ tiġi żgurata billi jiġi rrispettat id-dritt tas-soċjetà ċivili għall-aċċess għad-dokumenti tal-Istituzzjonijiet tal-UE kif stipulat mill-Artikolu 15 tat-Trattat dwar il-Funzjonament tal-Unjoni Ewropea.

4.1.12 Il-11-il Laqgħa Ġenerali tal-Koalizzjoni ta’ Parlamentari internazzjonali għar- Refuġjati tal-Korea ta’ Fuq u Drittijiet Umani (IPCNKR), f’Bukarest, ir-Rumanija

L-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, mexxa delegazzjoni parlamentari magħmula mill-Whip tal-Gvern l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Whip tal-Oppożizzjoni l-Onor. David Agius, li pparteċipat fil-11-il Laqgħa Ġenerali tal-IPCNKR li saret f’Bukarest, ir-Rumanija, bejn il-21 u t-23 ta’ Awwissu. It-tema tal-laqgħa din is-sena kienet L-Irwol ta’ Organizzazzjonijiet Internazzjonali fis-Soluzzjoni tal-Kwistjoni tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem fil-Korea ta’ Fuq.

Din kienet it-tieni darba li l-Parlament Malti kien rappreżentat f’din il-laqgħa, li għat-tieni darba konsekuttiva ġiet organizzata fi Stat Membru Ewropew. L-Ispeaker Farrugia għamel diskors fil-ftuħ tal-laqgħa fejn huwa fakkar il-kontribut tiegħu fl-għaxar Dikjarazzjoni Konġunta adottata matul il-laqgħa tal-2013. Huwa esprima s-sodisfazzjon tiegħu li l-aħħar paragrafu ta’ din id-dikjarazzjoni, li titlob li din tintbagħat “lis-Segretarju Ġenerali tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti bħala parti mill-isforz tagħha biex tikkoopera ma’ organizzazzjonijiet internazzjonali u reġjonali bħall-Unjoni Ewropea u l-Kunsill tal-Ewropa sabiex jintemmu t-traġedji ġewwa l-Korea ta’ Fuq”, kienet ukoll parti mid-Dikjarazzjoni tal-11-il IPCNKR.

Fl-indirizz tiegħu, l-Ispeaker Farrugia rrefera għar-rapport ta’ 372 paġna mill-Kummissjoni ta’ Inkjesta tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti dwar id-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem fir-Repubblika Demokratika Popolari tal-Korea (RDPK) li fih għadd ta’ rakkomandazzjonijiet maħsuba biex jindirizzaw il-vjolazzjonijiet serji tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem imwettqa mill-RDPK. Huwa rrefera wkoll għar-Rapport tar-Rapporteur Speċjali dwar is-sitwazzjoni tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem fl-RDPK, kif ukoll għar-Reviżjoni Perjodika Universali tal-Kunsill tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem imfassal bi preparazzjoni għas-27 Sessjoni tal-Kunsill tad-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem ta’ Settembru 2014.

L-Ispeaker tkellem ukoll dwar id-diversi kontribuzzjonijiet mill-Unjoni Ewropea vis-à-vis is-sitwazzjoni tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem fl-RDPK, partikolarment l-eżitu tal-Kunsill tal-Affarijiet Barranin tal-10 ta’ Frar 2014 fejn l-UE ddikjarat l-appoġġ tagħha għall-“ħidma tal-Kummissjoni ta’ Inkjesta li tinvestiga s-sitwazzjoni tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem fl-RDPK” u żgurat ukoll “segwitu għar-rapport u r-rakkomandazzjonijiet tagħha”.

L-Ispeaker Farrugia appella lill-poplu tal-Korea sabiex ma jaqtax qalbu għax il-pajjiżi rappreżentati fil-laqgħa huma kollha fuq in-naħa tagħhom.

Fl-aħħar tal-laqgħa, id-delegati approvaw l-Istqarrija Konġunta tal-11-il ICPNKR. Matul is-sessjoni tal-għeluq tal-laqgħa ġie miftiehem li l-laqgħa tal-2015 tkun ospitata mill-Awstrija.

4.1.13 Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Parlamenti Ewropej, Oslo, Norveġja

Fil-11 u t-12 ta’ Settembru, id-Deputy Speaker Ċensu Galea pparteċipa fil-Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Parlamenti Ewropej organizzata mill-Parlament Norveġiż, Storting. Din il-Konferenza ssir kull sentejn u tlaqqa’ flimkien Presidenti ta’ Parlamenti ta’ Stati Membri tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa u minn għad ta’ pajjiżi ġirien. Il-konferenza ssir darba fi Strasburgu u darba fil-belt kapitali ta’ Stat Membru tal-istess Kunsill, alternattivament. It-temi prinċipali tal-Konferenza ta’ din is-sena kienu ‘Id-drittijiet u libertajiet fundamentali Kostituzzjonali – parteċipazzjoni, fiduċja u d-dibattitu pubbliku bħala

56 kondizzjonijiet għad-demokrazija’, ‘Id-demokrazija, sovranità u sigurtà fl-Ewropa’ u ‘Il-maġġoranza u l-Opożizzjoni – kif jinstab il-bilanċ f’demokrazija’.

4.1.14 Forum Parlamentari dwar l-Intelliġenza, Washington, l-Amerika

Fuq stedina tal-Membru tal-Kungress Amerikan Robert Pittenger, l-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, ipparteċipa fil-Forum Parlamentari dwar l-Intelliġenza (Intelligence) li saret fil-Capitol, Washington DC, fit-18 u d-19 ta’ Settembru.

Matul il-Forum il-parteċipanti kellhom laqgħat ma’ membri tal-Kungress Amerikan mill-Kumitat Magħżul tal-Kamra dwar l-Intelliġenza u mal-President tal-Kumitat tal-Kamra dwar il-Ġudikatura Bob Goodlatte. Huma pparteċipaw fid-diskussjonijiet dwar it-theddida tal-ISIS kontra l-Punent, il- politika transatlantika u dwar spjunaġġ u l-waqfien mill-iffinanzjar tat-theddida tat-terroriżmu.

Fil-marġini tal-Forum, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia ddiskuta mal-President tal-Kumitat tal-Kungress dwar l-Intelliġenza Mike Rogers ir-rwol ta’ Malta fil-kriżi Libjana. L-Ispeaker Farrugia enfasizza li Malta, bħala pajjiż newtrali u kredibbli, jista’ jkollha rwol strateġiku importanti fit-trattazzjonijiet mal-fazzjonijiet kollha li bħalissa huma f’kunflitt biex jiddominaw il-Libja.

Il-President Rogers irringrazzja lil Malta li aċċettat li l-Ambaxxatur Amerikan għal-Libja jaħdem temporanjament minn Malta fid-dawl tas-sitwazzjoni volatili f’dak il-pajjiż.

L-Ispeaker, akkumpanjat mill-Onor. Carmelo Abela, issieħeb ma’ għadd ta’ membri parlamentari oħra minn numru ta’ pajjiżi Ewropej u oħrajn, inklużi l-Awstrija, il-Kroazja, l-Estonja, il-Finlandja, il-Ġeorġja, il-Ġermanja, l-Italja, il-Montenegro, il-Portugall, ir-Rumanija, ir-Renju Unit u l-Ungerija.

4.1.15 Id-IX Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Pajjiżi ż-Żgħar Ewropej, Andorra

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia pparteċipa fid-IX Konferenza tal-Presidenti tal-Pajjiżi ż-Żgħar Ewropej li din is-sena kienet organizzata mill-Kunsill Ġenerali ta’ Andorra bejn l-24 u s-26 Settembru.

It-temi ewlenin tal-Konferenza ta’ din is-sena kienu: ‘Kwistjonijiet kurrenti u perspettiva fuq l-ordni fil-parlamenti tal-istati żgħar Ewropej’, ‘Il-kriterji, il-politiki u r-riżultati fl-irkupru mill-kriżi fl-istati żgħar’ u ‘Il-kontribut tal-istati żgħar għall-governanza demokratika’. Fl-indirizz tiegħu l-Ispeaker Farrugia emfasizza l-kredibilità ta’ Malta fuq livell internazzjonali u l-kapaċità li tassisti lil-Libja sabiex terġa’ takkwista l-governabilità tagħha permezz tal-kooperazzjoni bejn il-Parlament u n-Nazzjonijiet Uniti, speċjalment issa li l-missjoni speċjali tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti ġiet awtorizzata taħt is-Sur Bernardino Leon, rappreżentant tas-Segretarju Ġenerali tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti. L-Ispeaker Farrugia tkellem ukoll dwar kif in-newtralità ta’ Malta tista’ tkun essenzjali sabiex il-fazzjonijiet kollha Libjani jibdew diskussjonijiet għall-benefiċċju tal-partijiet kollha.

Fl-intervent tiegħu dwar il-kontribut tal-istati żgħar għall-governanza demokratika, l-Ispeaker Farrugia enfasizza l-importanza ta’ Parlament tassew awtonomu, miftuħ u qrib iċ-ċittadini. Tkellem ukoll dwar il-Kummissarju għall-Istandards fil-Ħajja Pubblika li xogħlu ser jinkludi li jara l-imġiba etika tal-membri parlamentari. Huwa tkellem ukoll dwar it-tnedija tax-xandir dirett tad-dibattiti kollha parlamentari kif ukoll ta’ stazzjon tat-televiżjoni tal-Parlament.

4.1.16 Is-60 Konferenza Annwali tal-Commonwealth u l-34 Konferenza tal-Fergħat iż-Żgħar ta’ Pajjiżi fil-Commonwealth organizzata mill-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth (CPA), f’Yaoundé, il-Kamerun

Delegazzjoni mill-Parlament Malti mmexxija mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia u li inkludiet lill-Onor. Carmelo Abela, l-Onor. David Agius u l-Onor. Anthony Agius Decelis, ħadet sehem fis-60 Konferenza Annwali tal-Commonwealth u l-34 Konferenza tal-Fergħat iż-Żgħar organizzata mill-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth (CPA) bejn it-2 u l-10 ta’ Ottubru f’Yaoundé, il-Kamerun. Matul is-60 Konferenza kienu organizzati numru ta’ workshops bl-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia jieħu sehem fil-workshop dwar it-trasparenza u r-responsabbiltà bħala rekwiżiti għal governanza tajba. Tkellem ukoll dwar kodiċi ta’ etika għall-Membri tal-Parlament u rrefera għall-pjan li jitwaqqaf uffiċċju indipendenti u kumitat permanenti dwar standards fil-ħajja pubblika f’Malta. L-Onor. Abela ħa sehem fil-workshop dwar l-aġenda tal-iżvilupp wara l-2015 fid-dawl tal-istandards stabbiliti fiċ-Charter tal-Commonwealth. Fl-intervent tiegħu l-Onor. Abela saħaq li l-parlamenti nazzjonali għandhom id-dmir li jiżguraw li l-gvernijiet rispettivi tagħhom ikunu impenjati biex jintlaħqu l-Għanijiet tal-Iżvilupp tal-Millennju, li ultimament jaffettwaw il-ħajjiet taċ-ċittadini.

F’Yaoundé, id-delegazzjoni ħadet sehem ukoll fil-Konferenza tal-Fergħat iż-Żgħar tal- Commonwealth. L-indirizz tal-ftuħ tal-Konferenza sar minn Sir Alan Haselhurst, Chairman tal-Kumitat Eżekuttiv tas-CPA. Fid-diskors tiegħu huwa għamel referenza għaż-żjara li għamel f’Malta aktar kmieni dik is-sena u faħħar il-parteċipazzjoni ta’ Malta fis-CPA, partikolarment f’dak li jirrigwarda l-Fergħat iż-Żgħar. It-temi diskussi matul din il-Konferenza kkonċernaw speċifikament l-isfidi ekonomiċi u soċjali li jħabbtu wiċċhom magħhom il-pajjiżi ż-żgħar u l-irwol tal-parlamenti fir-rigward taċ-ċittadini l-aktar vulnerabbli.

4.1.17 Żjara fl-Arabja Sawdija

Bejn it-23 u l-25 ta’ Novembru l-Ispeaker mexxa delegazzjoni parlamentari li inkludiet lill-Onor. Toni Bezzina u l-Onor. Joseph M. Sammut, fl-Arabja Sawdija. Matul din iż-żjara d-delegazzjoni Maltija kellha diversi laqgħat ma’ dinjitarji mill-Arabja Sawdija li magħhom iddiskutiet diversi temi, fosthom ir-relazzjoni bejn iż-żewġ pajjiżi, il-qagħda internazzjonali fil-kuntest tas-sitwazzjoni fil-Libja u l-avvanz tal-ISIS ġewwa s-Sirja u l-Iraq, ir-rwol li għandha Malta fiż-żamma tal-paċi minħabba l-istatus newtrali tagħha, u l-possibbiltajiet ta’ aktar skambji bejn il-Parlament Malti u x-Shoura Council tal-Arabja Sawdija.

4.1.18 Parteċipazzjoni fis-66 Laqgħa Plenarja tal-GRECO

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia ħa sehem fis-66 Laqgħa Plenarja tal-GRECO (Grupp ta’ Stati tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa kontra l-Korruzzjoni) li saret ġewwa Strasburgu fi Franza bejn it-8 u t-12 ta’ Diċembru taħt il-Presidenza tal-Kroat Marin Mrčela. F’din il-laqgħa plenarja, li fiha Malta kienet irrappreżentata mill-Ispeaker, l-Avukat Ġenerali u d-Deputat Avukat Ġenerali, ġie diskuss u approvat ir-rapport tal-GRECO dwar Malta li sar wara ż-żjara tal-istess GRECO f’Malta bħala parti mill-Fourth Evaluation Round, bejn it-23 u s-27 ta’ Ġunju ta’ din is-sena.

Matul iż-żjara ġewwa Strasburgu, l-Ispeaker iltaqa’ wkoll mas-Sja Tania Carabott, Deputat Rappreżentant Permanenti għall-Kunsill tal-Ewropa.

4.2 Żjarat Barra minn Malta minn Delegazzjonijiet Parlamentari

4.2.1 Il-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej

Jannar Bejn is-26 u s-27 ta’ Jannar, l-Onor. Chris Fearne attenda l-laqgħa tal-Presidenti tal-COSAC li saret f’Ateni, il-Greċja

Ġunju Bejn il-15 u s-17 ta’ Ġunju, l-Onor. Joseph M. Sammut u l-Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech ipparteċipaw fl-LI laqgħa tal-COSAC li saret f’Ateni, il-Greċja

Novembru Bejn il-31 ta’ Novembru u t-2 ta’ Diċembru, l-Onor. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici attenda t-LII laqgħa tal-COSAC li saret f’Ruma.

4.2.2 Laqgħat organizzati mill-Parlament Ewropew u mill-pajjiż li jkollu l-Presidenza tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea

Il-Membri Parlamentari Maltin jipparteċipaw f’żewġ tipi ta’ laqgħat interparlamentari mal-Parlament Ewropew: laqgħat ta’ Presidenti ta’ kumitati organizzati mill-parlament tal-pajjiż li jkollu l-Presidenza tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea; u laqgħat interparlamentari organizzati minn kumitati tal-Parlament Ewropew.

Il-laqgħat interparlamentari organizzati minn kumitati tal-Parlament Ewropew jinżammu fuq inizjattiva tal-kumitat stess li jistieden kollegi mill-kumitati korrispondenti fil-parlamenti nazzjonali tal-pajjiżi membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea. Dawn il-laqgħat ikomplu jibnu fuq il-prassi eżistenti u primarjament ikopru dawk l-oqsma fejn l-Unjoni Ewropea għandha setgħat leġiżlattivi permezz tal-proċedura ta’ kodeċiżjoni. L-għan ta’ dawn il-laqgħat hu li jiġi promoss l-iskambju ta’ ideat u prattiċi aħjar bejn parlamentari nazzjonali u dawk Ewropej bil-għan illi jinfluwenzaw id-deċiżjonijiet leġiżlattivi tal-Parlament Ewropew filwaqt li jaraw li jkun hemm trasparenza fit-teħid tad-deċiżjonijiet. Dawn il-laqgħat jiġu organizzati mid-Direttorat għar-Relazzjonijiet mal-Parlamenti Nazzjonali flimkien mal-kumitat tal-Parlament Ewropew responsabbli mill-qasam inkwestjoni.

Matul l-2014, Membri Parlamentari Maltin ipparteċipaw f’dawn il-laqgħat organizzati mill-Parlament Ewropew, mill-Kummissjoni Ewropea u mill-pajjiżi li kellhom il-Presidenza tal-Unjoni Ewropea:

Jannar Fl-20 u l-21 ta’ Frar, l-Onor. Tonio Fenech ipparteċipa fil-Ġimgħa Parlamentari Ewropea dwar is-Semestru Ewropew organizzata mill-Parlament Ewropew fi Brussell

Fl-24 u l-25 ta’ Jannar, l-Onor. Chris Fearne ipparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Kumitati dwar l-Affarijiet Ewropej tal-Parlamenti tan-Nofsinhar li saret f’Nikosija

Frar Fis-16 u s-17 ta’ Frar, l-Onor. Jason Azzopardi u l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipaw f’laqgħa għall-Presidenti tal-kumitati tal-ġustizzja u l-intern, organizzata mill-Presidenza Ellenika tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea f’Ateni

Fit-18 ta’ Frar, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Claudio Grech ipparteċipaw fil-Forum parlamentari dwar il-parlamenti tal-Unjoni Ewropea u l-governanza globali, organizzata mill-Parlament Ewropew fi Brussell

Marzu Fid-19 ta’ Marzu, l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipat f’laqgħa konġunta ta’ kumitati fil-parlamenti nazzjonali dwar il-prijoritajiet futuri fl-oqsma ta’ libertajiet ċivili, ġustizzja u intern, organizzata mill-Parlament Ewropew fi Brussell

Fil-5 ta’ Marzu, l-Onor. Clyde Puli u l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipaw fil-laqgħa interparlamentari dwar il-prevenzjoni ta’ vjolenza kontra n-nisa u sfida għal kulħadd, organizzata mill-Parlament Ewropew fi Brussell

Fis-16 u s-17 ta’ Marzu, l-Onor. Toni Bezzina u l-Onor. Joseph M. Sammut ipparteċipaw f’laqgħa għall-Presidenti tal-kumitati dwar il-produzzjoni, il-kummerċ u l-affarijiet marittimi, organizzata mill-Presidenza Ellenika tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea f’Ateni

Settembru Fit-23 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. Tonio Fenech ipparteċipa fi skambju ta’ ideat bejn il-membri tal-Kumitat għall-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Monetarji tal-Parlament Ewropew u Membri minn parlamenti nazzjonali dwar is-Semestru Ewropew għall-koordinazzjoni tal-politika Ewropea: l-implimentazzjoni tal-prijoritajiet tal-2014, organizzata mill-Parlament Ewropew fi Brussell

Fid-29 u t-30 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. Tonio Fenech u l-Onor. Silvio Schembri pparteċipaw fil-Konferenza Interparlamentari skont l-Artikolu 13 tal-Patt Fiskali, organizzata mill-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea ġewwa Ruma

Ottubru Fit-13 u l-14 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Jason Azzopardi u l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipaw f’laqgħa għall-Presidenti tal-kumitati dwar id-drittijiet fundamentali organizzata mill-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea ġewwa Ruma

Fis-26 u s-27 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Ċensu Galea pparteċipaw f’laqgħa għall-Presidenti tal-kumitati dwar l-agrikoltura, l-iżvilupp industrijali u l-SMEs organizzata mill-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea ġewwa Ruma

Novembru Bejn il-5 u s-7 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Luciano Busuttil u l-Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech ipparteċipaw fil-Konferenza Interparlamentari fuq il-Politika Esterna u ta’ Sigurtà Komuni u fuq il-Politika ta’ Sigurtà u ta’ Difiża Komuni, organizzata mill-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea ġewwa Ruma

Fl-10 u l-11 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipat fil-Konferenza dwar id-Drittijiet Fundamentali organizzata mill-Aġenzija tal-Unjoni Ewropea għad-Drittijiet Fundamentali bis-sehem tal-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea, ġewwa Ruma

Fl-20 u l-21 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Joseph Farrugia u l-Onor. Stephen Spiteri pparteċipaw f’laqgħa għall-Presidenti tal-kumitati dwar l-impjieg, ir-riċerka u l-innovazzjoni, organizzata mill-Presidenza Taljana tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea ġewwa Ruma.

4.2.3 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa

L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa (PACE) tlaqqa’ flimkien Membri Parlamentari eletti demokratikament mis-47 Stat Membru tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa. Permezz tas-setgħat mogħtija lilha mill-Istatut tal-istess l-Assemblea, l-Assemblea tista’:

- titlob azzjoni mis-47 gvern Ewropew, li għandhom iwieġbu b’mod konġunt; - tmexxi missjonijiet biex tikseb infomazzjoni ġdida dwar ksur tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem; - tagħmel mistoqsijiet lil Presidenti u Prim Ministri fuq kwalunkwe suġġett li tagħżel hi; - tosserva elezzjonijiet u tibgħat delegazzjonijiet għal medjazzjoni f’żoni li jinsabu f’sitwazzjoni ta’ kriżi;

- tinnegozja t-termini li fuqhom stati jissieħbu mal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa; - tispira liġijiet nazzjonali ġodda billi tipproponi u tagħti opinjonijiet dwar trattati; - titlob opinjonijiet legali dwar il-liġijiet u kostituzzjonijiet tal-Istati Membri; u - tirrakkomanda dwar is-sanzjonar ta’ Stat Membru permezz ta’ esklużjoni jew sospensjoni tiegħu.

Minkejja li l-PACE ma għandha l-ebda setgħa li tgħaddi liġijiet li jorbtu, din l-Assemblea żżomm djalogu kostanti mal-gvernijiet, parlamenti nazzjonali, organizzazzjonijiet internazzjonali oħra u mas-soċjetà ċivili li “tistabbilixxi l-aġenda”. B’dan il-mod, id-dokumenti tagħha jgħaddu minn liġijiet u prattika sabiex iwasslu għal titjib fil-ħajja taċ-ċittadini Ewropej.

Permezz tar-rakkomandazzjonijiet tagħha, l-Assemblea titlob azzjoni f’isem it-800 miljun ċittadin Ewropew li tirrappreżenta u s-47 gvern tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa, rappreżentati fil-Kumitat tal-Ministri, li huma obbligati li jwieġbu. Fil-prattika, l-Assemblea spiss taġixxi bħala l-ixprun tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa billi tippromwovi ideat ġodda, tistabbilixxi d-direzzjoni strateġika u tniedi bosta mill-attivitajiet l-aktar importanti tal-Kunsill.

L-Assemblea tistabbilixxi l-aġenda tagħha stess li tkopri avvenimenti Ewropej u internazzjonali, kwestjonijiet relatati mad-drittijiet tal-bniedem, id-demokrazija, il-ħarsien tal-minoranzi u l-istat tad-dritt.

Permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 16 tal-15 ta’ April 2013 u l-Mozzjoni Nru 130 tas-7 ta’ Mejju 2014, id-delegazzjoni Maltija għall-PACE kienet magħmula kif ġej:

Membri Onor. Joe Debono Grech, Kap tad-Delegazzjoni Onor. Beppe Fenech Adami Onor. Deborah Schembri

Membri Sostituti Onor. Charlò Bonnici Onor. Deo Debattista Onor. Joseph M. Sammut Onor. Joe Debono Grech

Id-delegati huma wkoll membri ta’ dawn il-kumitati:

Onor. Joe Debono Grech - Bureau tal-Assemblea - Kumitat Permanenti - Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Politiċi u d-Demokrazija - Kumitat dwar il-Migrazzjoni, ir-Refuġjati u l-Persuni Spostati - Kumitat dwar il-Qadi tal-Obbligi u l-Impenji tal-Istati Membri tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa (Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ)

Onor. Charlò Bonnici - Kumitat dwar il-Qadi tal-Obbligi u l-Impenji tal-Istati Membri tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa (Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ) - Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali, is-Saħħa u l-Iżvilupp Sostenibbli - Kumitat dwar il-Kultura, ix-Xjenza, l-Edukazzjoni u l-Media

Onor. Deo Debattista - Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Soċjali, is-Saħħa u l-Iżvilupp Sostenibbli - Kumitat dwar il-Kultura, ix-Xjenza, l-Edukazzjoni u l-Media

Onor. Joseph M. Sammut - Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Legali u d-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem - Kumitat dwar l-Ugwaljanza u n-Non-Diskriminazzjoni Onor. Beppe Fenech Adami - Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Politiċi u d-Demokrazija - Kumitat dwar il-Migrazzjoni, ir-Refuġjati u l-Persuni Spostati

Onor. Deborah Schembri - Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Legali u d-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem - Kumitat dwar l-Ugwaljanza u n-Non-Diskriminazzjoni.

Il-Membri ħadu sehem f’numru ta’ laqgħat fl-Assemblea Plenarja u f’laqgħat tad-diversi kumitati fejn kellhom l-opportunità li jiddiskutu dokumenti li wħud minnhom ġew ukoll adottati mill-Assemblea. Il-Membri tad-delegazzjoni għall-PACE pparteċipaw fil-laqgħat kif muri hawn taħt:

Jannar Bejn is-27 u d-29 ta’ Jannar, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech, l-Onor. Beppe Fenech Adami, l-Onor. Michael Falzon u l-Onor. Charlò Bonnici pparteċipaw fl-Ewwel Parti tas-Sessjoni Ordinarja tal-2014 tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa li nżammet fi Strasburgu

Marzu Fl-4 ta’ Marzu, l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipat fil-laqgħa tal-Kumitat dwar l-Ugwaljanza u n-Non-Diskriminazzjoni tal-PACE li saret fi Vjenna

April Bejn is-6 u d-9 ta’ April, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech, l-Onor. Charlò Bonnici u l-Onor. Beppe Fenech Adami pparteċipaw fit-Tieni Parti tas-Sessjoni Ordinarja tal-2014 tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa li nżammet fi Strasburgu

Mejju Fit-18 ta’ Mejju, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech ipparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat Permamenti li saret fl-Ażerbajġan

Ġunju Fit-2 ta’ Ġunju, l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipat fil-laqgħa tal-Kumitat dwar l-Ugwaljanza u n-Non-Diskriminazzjoni li saret f’Pariġi

Bejn it-23 u l-25 ta’ Ġunju, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech, l-Onor. Charlò Bonnici u l-Onor. Beppe Fenech Adami pparteċipaw fit-Tielet Parti tas-Sessjoni Ordinarja tal-2014 tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa li nżammet fi Strasburgu

Settembru Fit-3 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech ipparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ li saret f’Pariġi

Fit-8 u d-9 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipat f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat dwar l-Ugwaljanza u n-Non-Diskriminazzjoni u f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat dwar il-Migrazzjoni, ir-Refuġjati u l-Persuni Spostati, li saru ġewwa Pariġi

Fit-22 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech ipparteċipa f’laqgħa tas-Sottokumitat ad hoc tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ dwar il-Politika tal-Viċinat tar- Russja fir-rigward tal-Istati Membri l-oħra tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa, li saret fi Vjenna

Bejn id-29 ta’ Settembru u t-3 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech, l-Onor. Charlò Bonnici u l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipaw fir-Raba’ Parti tas-Sessjoni Ordinarja tal-2014 tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa li nżammet fi Strasburgu

Ottubru Bejn id-9 u t-13 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech ipparteċipa fil-Missjoni ta’

Osservazzjoni ta’ Elezzjonijiet tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa fil-Bosnja u Ħerzegovina

Fit-23 u l-24 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Claudette Buttigieg u l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipaw f’Seminar organizzat mis-Sottokumitat dwar il-Kooperazzjoni ma’ pajjiżi li mhumiex ta’ Oriġini Ewropea u Tranżitu tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ, li saret f’Rabat, il-Marokk

Novembru Fl-10 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Deo Debattista u l-Onor. Marthese Portelli pparteċipaw fis-Seminar Parlamentari biex jiġu żgurati kondizzjonijiet tax-xogħol siguri u sani, organizzat mis-Sottokumitat fuq il-European Social Charter, li sar f’Pariġi

Fl-14 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech ipparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ li saret f’Pariġi

Fit-18 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech ipparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat Permanenti li saret fi Brussell

Fil-25 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech, l-Onor. Charlò Bonnici u l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipaw f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat Permanenti fi Strasburgu

Diċembru Fid-9 ta’ Diċembru, l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipat f’Seminar Parlamentari organizzat mis-Sottokumitat tan-Netwerk Parlamentari dwar l-Ugwaljanza bejn is-Sessi “Women free from Violence” u tal-All Party Parliamentary Group on Equalities dwar Women free from Violence in the United Kingdom: The Istanbul Convention, li sar ġewwa Londra

Fil-11 ta’ Diċembru, l-Onor. Joe Debono Grech ipparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ li saret f’Pariġi.

Ir-riżoluzzjonijiet u r-rakkomandazzjonijiet adottati jew approvati mill-PACE, tpoġġew fuq il-Mejda tal-Kamra tad-Deputati.

L-Onor. Joe Debono Grech, bħala co-rapporteur tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ għall-Ażerbajġan, ipparteċipa f’dawn iż-żewġ missjonijiet ta’ ġbir ta’ fatti fl-Ażerbajġan:

Jannar Bejn l-20 u l-24 ta’ Jannar, fil-missjoni ta’ ġbir ta’ fatti fl-Ażerbajġan organizzata mill-PACE; u

Mejju Żjara ta’ ġbir ta’ fatti mill-co-rapporteurs tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ tal-PACE dwar ir-Repubblika tal-Ażerbajġan, fl-Ażerbajġan.

4.2.4 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Mediterran

Mill-proċess ta’ Ħelsinki fl-1973 - li wassal għat-twaqqif tas-CSCE (Konferenza dwar is-Sigurtà u l-Kooperazzjoni fl-Ewropa) - pajjiżi bħal Malta għamlu enfasi qawwija fuq il-prinċipju tal-indiviżibilità tas-sigurtà u enfasizzaw bil-qawwa li l-paċi, is-sigurtà u l-istabilità fl-Ewropa u fil-Mediterran kienu intrinsikament u indissolubbilment marbutin ma’ xulxin. Id-‘Dimensjoni Mediterranja’ (magħrufa aħjar bħala s-CSCM – Konferenza dwar is-Sigurtà u l-Kooperazzjoni fil-Mediterran), fi ħdan il-Karta ta’ Pariġi għal Ewropa Ġdida ffirmata f’Novembru 1990, hija sinonima għal Malta li sostniet sa mill-bidunett tal-proċess ta’ Ħelsinki li ma jistax ikun hemm sigurtà fl-Ewropa jekk ma jkunx hemm sigurtà fil-Mediterran. Sabiex tenfasizza l-importanza ta’ din

id-dimensjoni u l-impenn tagħha lejn ir-reġjun, Malta laqqgħet erba’ seminars tas-CSCE/OSCE dwar il-Mediterran; l-ewwel wieħed fl-1979, segwit minn oħrajn fl-1993, fl-1998 u fl-2012.

Wara seba’ Konferenzi Interparlamentari dwar is-Sigurtà u l-Kooperazzjoni fl-Ewropa bejn l-1972 u l-1991, l-Unjoni Interparlamentari (UIP) iddeċidiet dwar proċess simili fil-Mediterran u nediet il-proċess tal-Konferenza dwar is-Sigurtà u l-Kooperazzjoni fil-Mediterran (CSCM) taħt l-awspiċi tal-Unjoni Interparlamentari u li tinkludi l-istati li jdawru l-Baħar Mediterran.

F’April 1990, waqt il-laqgħa tat-83 Konferenza tal-UIP f’Nikosija, riżoluzzjoni msejħa The Promotion of Peace and Security in the Mediterranean region in the light of developments in Europe and the new spirit prevailing internationally (Il-Promozzjoni tal-paċi u s-sigurtà fir-reġjun tal-Mediterran fid-dawl tal-iżviluppi fl-Ewropa u l-ispirtu l-ġdid prevalenti fuq livell internazzjonali) irrakkomandat it-tlaqqigħ ta’ Konferenza ta’ Parlamentari mill-Istati kollha tal-Mediterran sabiex jiddiskutu miżuri li jindirizzaw diversi oqsma ta’ kooperazzjoni. L-idea ta’ CSCM Interparlamentari ntlaqgħet b’interess fost il-parlamentari minn madwar il-Mediterran li appoġġjawha. Għaldaqstant, l-UIP iddeċidiet li tniedi CSCM ‘interparlamentari’ u nżammu laqgħat f’Malaga (Spanja) f’Ġunju 1992, fil-Belt Valletta (Malta) f’Novembru 1995, u f’Marsilja (Franza) f’April 2000.

Il-Konferenza ta’ Malaga kkonfermat il-prinċipji bażiċi tal-proċess u stabbilixxiet il-qafas ġenerali għall-kooperazzjoni bejn l-imsieħba Mediterranji; il-Konferenza tal-Belt Valletta affermat il-ħtieġa li l-proċess tas-CSCM jingħata bażi istituzzjonali solida, kemm fil-livell governattiv kif ukoll f’dak parlamentari, u rrakkomandat ukoll, fuq l-inizjattiva ta’ Malta, it-twaqqif ta’ Assoċjazzjoni ta’ Stati Mediterranji. Il-Konferenza ta’ Marsilja ħeġġet li ‘għandha tkompli tittieħed azzjoni simultanja sabiex tiġi stabbilita struttura ta’ kooperazzjoni interparlamentari kif propost fid-Dokument Finali tat-Tieni Konferenza Interparlamentari dwar is-Sigurtà u l-Kooperazzjoni fil-Mediterran, bil-ħsieb li tinħoloq, fit-tul, Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Mediterran’ u ‘tiġi stabbilita struttura interparlamentari kif propost fid-dokument tal-Belt Valletta (1995)’ li tgawdi minn status superjuri, biex b’hekk jiġi istituzzjonalizzat il-proċess tas-CSCM.

Fi Frar 2005 saret ir-Raba’ u l-aħħar Konferenza tas-CSCM f’Nafplion, il-Greċja. Waqt dik il-laqgħa, ir-rappreżentanti tal-parlamenti nazzjonali tal-istati tal-Mediterran iffinalizzaw u adottaw l-Istatuti tal-Assemblea Parlamentari u ddeċidew li jagħmlu l-ewwel laqgħa tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Mediterran (APM) f’Amman, il-Ġordan fl-2006.

Waqt l-inawgurazzjoni tal-APM fl-10 u l-11 ta’ Settembru 2006 f’Amman, il-Ġordan, Malta ntgħażlet b’mod unanimu sabiex tospita s-Segretarjat tal-APM f’Palazzo Spinola ġewwa San Ġiljan.

L-għan tal-Assemblea Parlamentari huwa li tipprovdi lill-Mediterran b’forum parlamentari uniku għalih u li jlaqqa’, fuq l-istess livell, il-parlamenti nazzjonali ta’ pajjiżi mal-kosta tal-Mediterran. Billi tindirizza kwistjonijiet ta’ tħassib komuni li jrawmu u jtejbu aktar il-fiduċja bejn l-Istati Membri sabiex jiżguraw is-sigurtà u l-istabilità reġjonali u jippromwovu l-paċi, l-Assemblea taħdem sabiex tiżviluppa l-kooperazzjoni fost l-Istati Membri fl-oqsma ta’ azzjoni tagħha billi tippromwovi d-djalogu politiku u l-ftehim fost il-parlamenti kkonċernati.

L-APM hija organizzazzjoni reġjonali interstatali, Osservatur fl-istrutturi tal-Assemblea Ġenerali tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti u għandha status ġuridiku internazzjonali speċifiku. Fi żmien qasir, l-APM saret l-attur prinċipali fid-diplomazija parlamentari fir-reġjun, u l-impenn tagħha lejn il-prinċipji bażiċi u l-Karta tagħha tgawdi mis-sapport kontinwu li jagħtuha l-parlamenti membri.

Il-ħidma tal-Assemblea titwettaq minn tliet Kumitati Permanenti li jfasslu opinjonijiet u rakkomandazzjonijiet. It-tliet kumitati huma:

 L-Ewwel Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kooperazzjoni relatata mal-Politika u s-Sigurtà  It-Tieni Kumitat Permanenti dwar il-Kooperazzjoni Ekonomika, Soċjali u Ambjentali

 It-Tielet Kumitat Permanenti dwar id-Djalogu fost iċ-Ċivilizzazzjonijiet u d-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem.

Barra minn hekk, fil-bidu tal-2008, il-Kumitati Permanenti tal-Assemblea waqqfu għadd ta’ gruppi ta’ ħidma fil-forma ta’ kumitati ad hoc u task forces speċjali.

Permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 27 tad-29 ta’ April 2013, id-delegazzjoni parlamentari għall-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Mediterran hija komposta kif ġej:

Membri Onor. Justyne Caruana, Kap tad-Delegazzjoni Onor. Albert Fenech Onor. Joseph M. Sammut Onor. Silvio Schembri Onor. Stephen Spiteri

Membri Sostituti Onor. Etienne Grech Onor. Justyne Caruana Onor. Clyde Puli

Id-dettalji tal-parteċipazzjoni tad-delegazzjoni Maltija fil-laqgħat tal-APM huma kif jidhru hawn taħt:

Jannar Fit-22 ta’ Jannar, l-Onor. Justyne Caruana pparteċipat fit-Tmien Sessjoni Plenarja tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Mediterran li saret f’Marsilja

April Fl-24 u l-25 ta’ April, l-Onor. Joseph M. Sammut u l-Onor. Clyde Puli pparteċipaw f’laqgħa tat-Tielet Kumitat Permanenti tal-APM li saret f’Antalya

Mejju Fil-5 u s-6 ta’ Mejju, l-Onor. Justyne Caruana pparteċipat fl-24 Laqgħa tal-Bureau tal-APM li saret f’Ateni

Fit-30 u l-31 ta’ Mejju, l-Onor. Joseph M. Sammut u l-Onor. Stephen Spiteri pparteċipaw fil-konferenza organizzata mill-APM dwar l-immaniġġar tal-iskart: il- kollezzjoni, ir-riċiklar u l-użu mill-ġdid, li saret f’Caserta

Novembru Fl-10 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Justyne Caruana pparteċipat fil-Laqgħa tal-Bureau Estiż tal-APM li saret f’Ruma.

4.2.5 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran

L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran, li qabel kienet magħrufa bħala l-Assemblea Parlamentari Ewro-Mediterranja (APEM), hi magħmula minn 280 membru: 132 Membru mill-Unjoni Ewropea (83 Membru mit-28 parlament nazzjonali tal-Istati Membri tal-Unjoni Ewropea – tlieta minn kull parlament apparti l-Ingilterra li għandha żewġ Membri – u 49 Membru mill-Parlament Ewropew), 8 Membri mill-pajjiżi sħab tal-Mediterran (tnejn minn kull delegazzjoni mill-Albanija, Bosnja Ħerżegovina, Monako u l-Montenegro), 130 Membru mill-għaxar pajjiżi fundaturi li jagħtu fuq il-kosta tal-Lvant u tan-Nofsinhar tal-Mediterran (l-Alġerija, l-Eġittu, il-Ġordan, l-Iżrael, il-Lebanon, il-Marokk, l-Awtorità Palestinjana, is-Sirja, it-Tuneżija u t-Turkija), u 10 Membri mill-Parlament tal-Mawritanja.

L-Assemblea għandha ħames kumitati parlamentari li huma responsabbli għall-monitoraġġ ta’ dawn l-aspetti tas-sħubija Ewro-Mediterranja:

 Il-Kumitat għall-Affarijiet Politiċi, is-Sigurtà u d-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem

 Il-Kumitat għall-Affarijiet Ekonomiċi u Finanzjarji, Affarijiet Soċjali u l-Edukazzjoni  Il-Kumitat dwar it-Titjib tal-Kwalità tal-Ħajja, Skambji bejn Soċjetajiet Ċivili u l-Kultura  Il-Kumitat għad-Drittijiet tan-Nisa fil-Pajjiżi Ewro-Mediterranji  Il-Kumitat dwar l-Enerġija, l-Ambjent u l-Ilma.

L-Assemblea tista’ tistabbilixxi gruppi ta’ ħidma li l-membri u s-setgħat tagħhom jiġu determinati mill-Bureau.

L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran hija istituzzjoni konsultattiva. Ir-riżoluzzjonijiet u r-rakkomandazzjonijiet tagħha jiffukaw fuq l-għanijiet u l-oqsma ta’ kooperazzjoni tas-sħubija iżda ma jorbtux legalment. Fil-preżent, l-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran hija d-dimensjoni parlamentari ewlenija tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran, li assorbiet il-Proċess ta’ Barċellona u ġiet imnedija uffiċjalment fis-Samit tal-Kapijiet ta’ Stat u ta’ Gvern ta’ 43 pajjiż li sar f’Pariġi fit-13 ta’ Lulju 2008.

Fit-28 ta’ April 2010, il-Parlament Ewropew adotta l-Mozzjoni 2009/2215(INI) dwar l-Unjoni għall-Mediterran, li biha, fil-klawsola 37 tagħha ‘tisħaq li l-għan tal-APEM huwa li ssir l-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran, li tiggarantixxi l-leġittimità demokratika tagħha, u tappoġġja l-proposta tas-Sitt Sessjoni Plenarja tal-APEM li saret f’Amman fit-13 u l-14 ta’ Marzu 2010 u li l-isem tal-APEM għandu jinbidel f’Assemblea Parlamentari - Unjoni għall-Mediterran.’

Permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 29 tas-29 ta’ April 2013, id-delegazzjoni parlamentari għall-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran kienet komposta kif ġej:

Membri Onor. Michael Falzon, Kap tad-Delegazzjoni Onor. Ċensu Galea Onor. Silvio Parnis

Membri Sostituti Onor. Luciano Busuttil Onor. Albert Fenech Onor. Silvio Schembri Onor. Michael Falzon

Frar Fit-8 u d-9 ta’ Frar, l-Onor. Michael Falzon, l-Onor. Ċensu Galea, l-Onor. Silvio Schembri u l-Onor. Justyne Caruana pparteċipaw f’Sessjoni Plenarja organizzata mill-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Unjoni għall-Mediterran li nżammet f’Amman

Ottubru Fit-23 u l-24 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Ċensu Galea pparteċipa f’laqgħa tal-Kumitat dwar it-Titjib tal-Kwalità tal-Ħajja, Skambji bejn Soċjetajiet Ċivili u l-Kultura li saret f’Ruma.

4.2.6 L-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth

L-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth (APC) hija assoċjazzjoni ta’ parlamentari mill-pajjiżi tal-Commonwealth magħquda fl-interess komuni tagħhom, ir-rispett għall-istat tad-dritt u d-drittijiet u l-libertajiet individwali, u l-promozzjoni tal-ideali pożittivi tad-demokrazija parlamentari. L-APC taħdem fl-oqsma ta’ governanza tajba, tad-demokrazija u l-elezzjonijiet, u tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem, tagħti attenzjoni speċjali lill-għarfien ta’ ugwaljanza tas-sessi (għalhekk ġiet imwaqqfa l-fergħa tal-Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians) u tippromwovi l-għarfien dwar id-demokrazija parlamentari fost iż-żgħażagħ tal-Commonwealth. Din l-assoċjazzjoni ġiet imwaqqfa fl-1911 bħala l-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Imperu.

Il-missjoni tal-APC hija li tippromwovi l-avvanz tad-demokrazija parlamentari billi ssaħħaħ l-għarfien dwar gvernar demokratiku. L-APC tfittex li tibni komunità parlamentari infurmata, kapaċi li tapprofondixxi l-impenn demokratiku tal-Commonwealth u li ssaħħaħ il-kooperazzjoni fost il-parlamenti tagħha.

Matul l-2014, Membri Parlamentari Maltin ħadu sehem f’dawn il-laqgħat tal-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth:

Marzu Bejn l-14 u s-17 ta’ Marzu, l-Onor. Justyne Caruana u l-Onor. Claudette Buttigieg ipparteċipaw fil-Laqgħa ta’ Parlamentari Nisa tal-Commonwealth fil-Gżejjer Brittaniċi u r-Reġjun tal-Mediterran, dwar it-tisħiħ tal-parteċipazzjoni tan-nisa fil-politika, li saret f’Edinburgh

April Bejn it-28 ta’ April u l-1 ta’ Mejju, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela pparteċipa fil-laqgħa ta’ nofs is-sena tal-Kumitat Eżekuttiv tal-APC, li saret f’Londra

Mejju Bejn is-27 u t-30 ta’ Mejju, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela, l-Onor. Luciano Busuttil u l-Onor. Charles Mangion ipparteċipaw fl-44 Konferenza tal-Gżejjer Brittaniċi u r-Reġjun tal-Mediterran fi ħdan l-APC, li saret f’Cardiff

Ġunju Bejn it-23 u s-26 ta’ Ġunju, l-Onor. Deo Debattista u l-Onor. Tonio Fenech ipparteċipaw fir-Raba’ Westminister Workshop dwar l-irwol tal-Kumitati tal-Kontijiet Pubbliċi u kumitati parlamentari oħra fl-iskrutinju finanzjarju tal-infiq pubbliku, organizzat mill-fergħa Ingliża tal-APC ġewwa Londra

Lulju Bejn il-25 ta’ Lulju u t-2 ta’ Awwissu, l-Onor. Deborah Schembri pparteċipat fid-39 Konferenza Annwali tar-Reġjun tal-Amerki u l-Karibew, u tal-Atlantiku li saret f’Barbados

Settembru Bejn it-3 u l-15 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. Mario Galea pparteċipa fil-Missjoni ta’ Osservazzjoni tal-Elezzjoni ta’ Montserrat

Novembru Bejn is-17 u l-21 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Robert Cutajar u l-Onor. Silvio Schembri pparteċipaw fil-Konferenza Parlamentari Internazzjonali dwar it-Tkabbir għall-Iżvilupp, organizzata mill-APC ġewwa Londra

Diċembru Fit-12 ta’ Diċembru, l-Onor. Justyne Caruana pparteċipat fil-Laqgħa tal-Kumitat ta’ Tmexxija ta’ Parlamentari Nisa tal-Commonwealth fil-Gżejjer Brittaniċi u r-Reġjun tal-Mediterran, li saret f’Londra.

4.2.7 L-Unjoni Interparlamentari

L-Unjoni Interparlamentari (UIP) hija organizzazzjoni internazzjonali li ġiet imwaqqfa fl-1889 bħala forum li jiffaċilita n-negozjati multilaterali politiċi. Għal dak il-għan, din l-organizzazzjoni:

 trawwem il-kuntatti, il-koordinazzjoni u l-iskambju ta’ esperjenzi bejn parlamenti u parlamentari tal-pajjiżi kollha;  tikkunsidra kwistjonijiet ta’ interess u ta’ tħassib internazzjonali u tesprimi l-fehmiet tagħha dwar tali kwistjonijiet sabiex tittieħed azzjoni mill-parlamenti u l-parlamentari;  tikkontribwixxi għad-difiża u l-promozzjoni tad-drittijiet tal-bniedem - fattur essenzjali tad-demokrazija u l-iżvilupp parlamentari; u  tikkontribwixxi għal għarfien aħjar fil-ħidma tal-istituzzjonijiet rappreżentattivi u għat-tisħiħ u l-iżvilupp tal-mezzi ta’ azzjoni tagħhom.

Il-Parlament Malti, flimkien mal-parlamenti ta’ 165 pajjiż ieħor, huwa membru tal-UIP. Il-UIP tappoġġja l-isforzi ta’ u taħdem f’kooperazzjoni stretta man-Nazzjonijiet Uniti u għandha status ta’ Osservatur Permanenti fin-Nazzjonijiet Uniti.

Wieħed mill-organi tal-UIP hija l-Assemblea Parlamentari li hija magħmula minn deputati nominati bħala delegati mill-parlamenti tal-pajjiżi membri tal-Unjoni. L-Assemblea tiltaqa’ darbtejn fis-sena u hija assistita minn numru ta’ kumitati permanenti li ġeneralemnt jippreparaw rapporti u abbozzi ta’ riżoluzzjonijiet.

F’Ottubru tal-2011, l-UIP adottat l-Istrateġija għall-2012-2017 “Parlamenti aħjar, demokrazija aktar b’saħħitha”.

Permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 26 tad-29 ta’ April 2013, id-delegazzjoni parlamentari għall-Unjoni Interparlamentari kienet komposta kif ġej:

Membri Onor. Carmelo Abela, Kap tad-Delegazzjoni Onor. Michael Gonzi

Membri Sostituti Onor. Joseph M. Sammut Onor. Stephen Spiteri

Onor. Carmelo Abela

Matul l-2014, il-Membri tad-delegazzjoni Maltija pparteċipaw f’dawn il-laqgħat:

Marzu Bejn is-16 u l-20 ta’ Marzu, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Michael Gonzi pparteċipaw fil-130 Assemblea u l-laqgħat relatati tal-Unjoni Interparlamentari ġewwa Ġinevra

Ottubru Bejn l-14 u s-16 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Michael Gonzi pparteċipaw fil-131 Assemblea u l-laqgħat relatati tal-Unjoni Interparlamentari ġewwa Ġinevra.

4.2.8 L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Organizzazzjoni għas-Sigurtà u Kooperazzjoni fl-Ewropa

L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Organizzazzjoni għas-Sigurtà u Kooperazzjoni fl-Ewropa (OSCE PA) kienet imwaqqfa wara deċiżjoni tal-Konferenza għas-Sigurtà u Kooperazzjoni fl-Ewropa meħuda fil-Kunsill Ministerjali ġewwa Berlin fl-1991. L-ewwel sessjoni formali tal-Assemblea Parlamentari kienet f’Budapest f’Lulju 1992. Fil-preżent, l-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-OSCE hija magħmula minn 323 membri ġejjin minn 56 parlament, inkluż il-Parlament Malti.

L-għan tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-OSCE huwa li tiffaċilita d-djalogu interparlamentari li huwa aspett importanti tal-isforz ġenerali biex jingħelbu l-isfidi tad-demokrazija madwar iż-żona tal-OSCE. L-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-OSCE toffri forum għal negozjati politiċi u teħid ta’ deċiżjonijiet fl-oqsma ta’ twissija bikrija, prevenzjoni ta’ konflitti, maniġġar ta’ kriżijiet u riabilitazzjoni ta’ wara kunflitt, u tpoġġi r-rieda politika tal-istati membri tagħha fil-prattika permezz ta’ netwerk uniku ta’ missjonijiet tal-OSCE.

Permezz tal-Mozzjoni Nru 28 tad-29 ta’ April 2013 u tal-Mozzjoni Nru 131 tas-7 ta’ Mejju 2014, il-Parlament Malti kien rappreżentat fl-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Organizzazzjoni għas-Sigurtà u Kooperazzjoni fl-Ewropa kif ġej:

Membri Onor. Godfrey Farrugia, Kap tad-Delegazzjoni Onor. Carmelo Abela Onor. Frederick Azzopardi

Membri Sostituti Onor. Jason Azzopardi Onor. Luciano Busuttil Onor. Michael Falzon

Onor. Godfrey Farrugia

Il-Membri tad-delegazzjoni Maltijia pparteċipaw f’dawn il-laqgħat:

Jannar Fid-29 ta’ Jannar, l-Onor. Chris Fearne pparteċipa fil-Forum tal-OSCE għal Kooperazzjoni ta’ Sigurtà li sar fi Vjenna

Frar Fit-13 u l-14 ta’ Frar, l-Onor. Chris Fearne, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Frederick Azzopardi pparteċipaw fil-laqgħa tax-xitwa tal-OSCE PA li saret fi Vjenna

Ġunju Bejn it-28 ta’ Ġunju u t-2 ta’ Lulju, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Godfrey Farrugia pparteċipaw fis-Sessjoni Annwali tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-OSCE li nżammet f’Baku, l-Ażerbajġan

Ottubru Bejn it-3 u l-5 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Godfrey Farrugia, l-Onor. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici u l-Onor. Joseph M. Sammut ipparteċipaw fil-laqgħa tal-ħarifa tal-OSCE PA li saret f’Ġinevra.

4.2.9 Laqgħat Oħra

Jannar Fit-29 u t-30 ta’ Jannar, l-Onor. Jason Azzopardi pparteċipa fil-konferenza ‘An open and safe Europe – What next?’ organizzata mill-Kummissjoni Ewropea fi Brussell

April Bejn is-7 u d-9 ta’ April, l-Onor. David Agius, l-Onor. Jason Azzopardi u l-Onor. Silvio Parnis, membri tal-Grupp Parlamentari ta’ Ħbiberija bejn Malta u Franza, għamlu żjara uffiċjali f’Pariġi

Ġunju Bejn l-10 u t-13 ta’ Ġunju, l-Onor. Claudette Buttigieg ipparteċipat fis-Samit Globali biex tintemm il-vjolenza sesswali f’pajjiżi f’konflitt, li nżamm f’Londra

Settembru Fit-8 u d-9 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. Luciano Busuttil pparteċipa fit-12-il Konferenza ta’ Difiża li saret f’Bordeaux

Bejn l-10 u t-13 ta’ Settembru, l-Onor. David Agius ipparteċipa fil-European Interparliamentary Conference: Challenges of sustainable tourism - Promoting Cultural Heritage and Environmental protection, organizzata mill-Parlament Kroat f’Żagreb

Ottubru Fis-6 u s-7 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Luciano Busuttil, l-Onor. Marthese Portelli, l-Onor. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici u l-Onor. Joseph M. Sammut ipparteċipaw fit-Tmien Laqgħa ta’ Sħubija Parlamentari bejn l-Asja u l-Ewropa (ASEP-8) li saret f’Ruma

Fl-10 u l-11 ta’ Ottubru, l-Onor. Charles Buhagiar, l-Onor. Ċensu Galea u l-Onor. George Pullicino pparteċipaw fil-Laqgħa Interparlamentari tal-EUFORES dwar enerġija rinnovabbli u enerġija effiċjenti, li nżammet ġewwa Lisbona

Novembru Fil-21 ta’ Novembru, l-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici pparteċipaw fil-United Nations International Meeting of Parliamentarians in Support of Israeli-Palestinian Peace li saret fi New York.

4.3 Żjarat u Konferenzi organizzati mill-Parlament ta’ Malta

4.3.1 Żjara Uffiċjali tal-Viċi President tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea

Il-Viċi President tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea responsabbli mir-Relazzjonijiet Interistituzzjonali u l-Amministrazzjoni, Maroš Šefčovič, żar Malta bejn id-29 u l-31 ta’ Jannar. Parti importanti mill-portafoll tal-Viċi President hija r-relazzjoni ma’ parlamenti nazzjonali. Il-programm tal-Kummissarju kien jinkludi żjara ta’ korteżija lill-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati kif ukoll indirizz lill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej. L-Ispeaker stieden lill-Kummissarju Šefčovič għal żjara madwar il-bini l-ġdid tal Parlament.

Is-suġġetti ewlenin li ġew diskussi fil-laqgħa mal-Ispeaker, kienu r-rwol dejjem jikber tal-Parlament Malti fil-qasam tal-affarijiet Ewropej, partikolarment fid-dawl tas-setgħat u r-responsabbiltajiet il-ġodda li joħorġu mit-Trattat ta’ Lisbona, l-importanza tal-kooperazzjoni interparlamentari, l-elezzjonijiet għall-Parlament Ewropew, strumenti ġodda adottati wara l-kriżi finanzjarja u l- leġittimità demokratika aħjar fil-proċess ta’ governanza ekonomika.

Mal-Membri tal-Kumitat dwar l-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej, il-Viċi President Šefčovič tkellem dwar ir-relazzjonijiet bejn il-Kummissjoni Ewropea u l-parlamenti nazzjonali, l-involviment tal-parlamenti nazzjonali fil-konsultazzjonijiet preleġiżlattivi, il-‘karta s-safra’ murija mill-parlamenti nazzjonali għar-rigward il-proposta għall-Uffiċċju ta’ Prosekutur Pubbliku Ewropew u r-regoli attwali tal-kontroll tas-sussidjarjetà mill-parlamenti nazzjonali u l-futur tal-COSAC (il-Konferenza ta’ Kumitati tal-Affarijiet Ewropej).

4.3.2 Żjara Uffiċjali tal-President tar-Repubblika Ellenika

Fit-13 ta’ Frar il-President tar-Repubblika Ellenika, l-ET Karolas Papoulias, li kien f’Malta fuq żjara statali, għamel żjara ta’ korteżija lill-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati. Id-Deputat Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, is-Sur Kyriakos Gerontopoulos, akkumpanja lill-ET Papoulias matul din iż-żjara.

L-ET Papoulias u l-Ispeaker Farrugia ddiskutew suġġetti ta’ interess komuni, inkluż ir-relazzjonijiet eċċezzjonali li jeżistu bejn Malta u l-Greċja, il-Presidenza Griega tal-Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewropea, il-kwestjoni tal-immigrazzjoni irregolari, il-kriżi finanzjarja u l-qgħad, affarijiet marittimi u l-ġemellaġġ reċenti bejn il-Gżira u Glyfada.

Matul iż-żjara tiegħu ġewwa Malta, il-President Grieg ikkonferixxa l-Grand Croix de l’Ordre de l’Honneur tal-Greċja lill-Ispeaker.

4.3.3 Laqgħa tal-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ tal-PACE

Fis-27 u t-28 ta’ Frar ġiet organizzata f’Malta laqgħa tal-Kumitat dwar il-Qadi tal-Obbligi u l-Impenji mill-Istati Membri tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa (Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ) taħt l-awspiċi tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa (PACE).

41 Membru tal-Kumitat, flimkien ma’ tliet osservaturi, ipparteċipaw f’din il-laqgħa li kienet indirizzata mis-Sur Thorbjorn Jagland, Segretarju Ġenerali tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa.

Id-delegati kienu indirizzati wkoll mill-Ispeaker Farrugia li tkellem dwar l-importanza li jagħti l-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ lid-drittijiet tal-bniedem, il-ġustizzja u d-dritt tal-liġi, u enfasizza l-irwol importanti li għandu l-Kumitat ta’ Monitoraġġ fis-sitwazzjoni li qed tiżviluppa fl-Ukraina.

Il-membri Maltin fid-delegazzjoni parlamentari għall-PACE, ipparteċipaw ukoll għal din il-laqgħa tal- Kumitat li nżammet fil-magħluq.

4.3.4 Żjara Uffiċjali mill-President tal-Kumitat Eżekuttiv tal-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth (CPA)

Fit-8 ta’ Mejju, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia ltaqa’ mal-Membru Parlamentari Ingliż, Sir Alan Haselhurst, President tal-Kumitat Eżekuttiv tal-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth (CPA).

Matul il-laqgħa, iż-żewġ dinjitarji tkellmu dwar ir-relazzjonijiet eċċellenti li jeżistu bejn il-Kamra tad-Deputati ta’ Malta u l-Assoċjazzjoni Parlamentari tal-Commonwealth, fejn Malta hija rappreżentata fil-Kumitat Eżekuttiv tas-CPA mill-Onor. Carmelo Abela u l-Onor. David Agius bħala membru u membru sostitut rispettivament.

Huma ddiskutew diversi kwistjonijiet ta’ interess komuni, partikolarment l-inizjattiva ta’ Sir Alan Haselhurst dwar it-tisħiħ tar-rwol tal-Fergħat Żgħar tal-Commonwealth billi jiġi stabbilit President tal-Fergħat Żgħar li fost dmirijiet oħra, ikun uffiċjal tas-CPA u jirrappreżenta l-Fergħat Żgħar fuq il-Kumitat Eżekuttiv. Malta diġà esprimiet l-appoġġ tagħha għal din l-inizjattiva.

Ġiet diskussa wkoll il-proposta li għamel il-Prim Ministru Malti waqt il-Laqgħa tal-Kapijiet tal-Gvern tal-Commonwealth li saret fis-Sri Lanka fl-2013, li jitwaqqaf f’Malta Ċentru ta’ Eċċellenza għal Stati Żgħar.

4.3.5 Żjara Uffiċjali minn delegazzjoni mill-Grupp Parlamentari ta’ Ħbiberija Iżrael-Malta

Bejn is-17 u d-19 ta’ Ġunju, delegazzjoni mill-Grupp Parlamentari ta’ Ħbiberija bejn Iżrael u Malta għamlet żjara uffiċjali f'Malta li matulha l-Membri tal-Knesset kellhom laqgħa ta’ korteżija mal-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati. Iż-żewġ naħat iddiskutew kwistjonijiet ta’ interess komuni, inkluż ir-rabtiet bejn il-Maltin u l-Lhud, l-eżitu taż-żjara tal-Prim Ministru fl-Iżrael f'Ottubru li għadda, il-kooperazzjoni f'diversi livelli u l-ħtif reċenti ta' tliet żgħażagħ Iżraeljani.

Id-delegazzjoni Iżraeljana ltaqgħet mal-membri Maltin tal-Grupp Parlamentari ta' Ħbiberija mal-Iżrael, u ħadet sehem f’laqgħa konġunta bejn il-Kumitat għall-Affarijiet Barranin u Ewropej u l-Kumitat għall-Affarijiet tal-Familja.

Id-delegazzjoni tal-Knesset, immexxija mis-Sinjura Orly Levi-Abekasis MK, President tal-Kumitat dwar id-Drittijiet tat-Tfal, iltaqgħet mal-Onor. George Vella, Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin,

l-Onor. Helena Dalli, Ministru għad-Djalogu Soċjali, Affarijiet tal-Konsumatur u Libertajiet Ċivili, kif ukoll l-Onor. Edward Zammit Lewis, Ministru għat-Turiżmu. Huma żaru wkoll il-Malta Enterprise fejn segwew preżentazzjoni dwar il-promozzjoni tal-investiment.

4.3.6 Żjara minn delegazzjoni tal-Bundestag Ġermaniż

Fl-1 ta’ Ottubru, delegazzjoni mill-Bundestag Ġermaniż, immexxija mis-Sur Peter Blaser, Segretarju tal-Istat Parlamentari fil-Ministeru Federali tal-Ikel u l-Agrikoltura tar-Repubblika Federali tal-Ġermanja żaret il-Parlament Malti.

Iż-żewġ naħat tkellmu dwar ir-relazzjonijiet politiċi, ekonomiċi u kulturali eċċellenti li jeżistu bejn Malta u l-Ġermanja minn mindu tnedew ir-relazzjonijiet diplomatiċi bejn iż-żewġ pajjiżi f’Diċembru 1964. Matul il-laqgħa, iż-żewġ naħat iddiskutew il-kooperazzjoni fil-livell parlamentari, b’mod partikolari l-attivitajiet tal-Grupp Parlamentari ta’ Ħbiberija Konġunt imwaqqaf bejn il-Parlament Malti u l-Bundestag, kif ukoll kwistjonijiet oħrajn ta’ interess reċiproku, fosthom is-sitwazzjoni ta’ kriżi fil-Libja, it-theddida tal-ISIS u l-problema tal-immigrazzjoni illegali.

4.3.7 Żjara ta’ korteżija minn delegazzjoni mill-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kungress Provinċjali ta’ Hubei fiċ-Ċina

Fit-13 ta’ Ottubru l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia rċieva żjara ta’ korteżija minn delegazzjoni mill-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kungress Provinċjali ta’ Hubei fiċ-Ċina.

Iż-żewġ naħat tkellmu dwar ir-relazzjonijiet bilaterali diplomatiċi bejn Malta u r-Repubblika Popolari taċ-Ċina kif evolvew mit-twaqqif tagħhom f’Jannar 1972 fil-livell politiku, ekonomiku u kulturali.

Dr Farrugia esprima l-interess li terġa’ titlaqqa’ l-Kummissjoni Ekonomika Konġunta Sino-Maltija mal-ewwel opportunità peress illi l-aħħar sessjoni tagħha kienet fl-2009. Dan intqal fid-dawl tax-xewqa ta’ Malta li tikkonsolida l-oqsma ta’ kooperazzjoni ekonomika u kummerċjali mar-Repubblika Popolari taċ-Ċina.

Id-Deputat Kap tal-Kumitat Permanenti tal-Kungress Provinċjali ta’ Hubei, is-Sur Li Chunming, irringrazzja lill-Onor. Farrugia għat-trattament li ġie estiż lid-delegazzjoni matul iż-żjara tagħha u stieden lill-Parlament Malti sabiex jirreċiproka din iż-żjara. Iż-żewġ naħat qablu li r-relazzjonijiet bilaterali għandhom jissaħħu aktar sabiex tissaħħaħ id-diplomazija parlamentari.

5. ASSOĊJAZZJONI TA’ EX MEMBRI PARLAMENTARI

Matul l-2014, l-Assoċjazzjoni ta’ Membri Parlamentari Anzjani tal-Kamra tad-Deputati ltaqgħet diversi drabi fil-Palazz, il-Belt. Din l-assoċjazzjoni Maltija ilha membru tal-Assoċjazzjoni Ewropea ta’ Membri Parlamentari Anzjani tal-Istati Membri tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa mill-2006.

L-għan prinċipali tal-Assoċjazzjoni Ewropea hu li tippromwovi l-ideal Ewropew, mibni fuq libertajiet individwali u politiċi, is-supremazija tal-liġi tad-demokrazija vera, u li tikkontribwixxi fil-kostruzzjoni Ewropea. Biex jintlaħaq dan il-għan, l-assoċjazzjoni taħdem sabiex il-pubbliku inġenerali jifhem aħjar ix-xogħol tal-istituzzjonijiet Ewropej u torganizza laqgħat u djalogi sabiex ikunu eżaminati l-problemi ewlenin tas-soċjetà. Ir-rapporti kollha tal-Assoċjazzjoni Ewropea jiġu mgħoddija lill-Kunsill tal-Ewropa u lill-istituzzjonijiet Ewropej waqt il-kollokji li jkollha.

Matul l-2014, l-Assoċjazzjoni ta’ Membri Parlamentari Anzjani ltaqgħet mal-kummissjoni indipendenti ppreseduta mill-Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino, liema kummissjoni ġiet imwaqqfa mill-Prim Ministru fl-2013 bil-għan li tagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet dwar il-pakkett finanzjarju tal-Membri Parlamentari. F’din il-laqgħa, l-Assoċjazzjoni tat il-veduti tagħha dwar ir-remunerazzjoni u l-benefiċċji tal-parlamentari u dwar il-funzjoni tal-Parlament b’mod ġenerali.

L-Assoċjazzjoni ltaqgħet ukoll ma’ rappreżentanti tal-Uffiċċju tal-Prim Ministru u tas-Segretarju Parlamentari għall-Presidenza UE 2017 u għall-Fondi Ewropej dwar il-laqgħa tal-Kapijiet tal-Gvernijiet tal-Commonwealth li kellha ssir f’Malta fl-2015 u dwar il-Presidenza ta’ Malta tal- Kunsill tal-Unjoni Ewopea fl-2017. L-Assoċjazzjoni offriet l-assistenza u l-għarfien espert tagħha, kif meħtieġ.

Fl-14 ta’ Marzu, is-Sur Lino Debono u Dr Vincent Moran ħadu sehem f’laqgħa tal-Bureau u tal-Assemblea Ġenerali tal-Assoċjazzjoni Ewropea ta’ Membri Parlamentari Anzjani tal-Istati Membri tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa li saret f’Pariġi.

Bejn it-12 u l-14 ta’ Ġunju, is-Sur Lino Debono u s-Sur Michael Bonnici pparteċipaw f’laqgħa tal-Bureau tal-Assoċjazzjoni Ewropea ta’ Membri Parlamentari Anzjani li saret f’Varsavja. Matul din il-laqgħa ġew diskussi u approvati l-Minuti tal-laqgħat tal-Bureau u tal-Assemblea Ġenerali li nżammu fil-15 ta’ Marzu fl-Assemblea Nazzjonali Franċiża. Saret ukoll diskussjoni ġenerali dwar it-tisħiħ tal-istituzzjonijiet demokratiċi u l-parteċipazzjoni tal-poplu fid-dawl tal-isfidi għad-demokrazija fl-era ta’ globalizzazzjoni. Kwestjoni importanti għal Malta li qamet f’din id-diskussjoni kienet id-dritt għall-vot tal-immigranti. Hawnhekk, id-delegazzjoni Maltija insistiet li l-immigranti m’għandhomx jingħataw id-dritt li jivvotaw u li dan għandu jkun limitat għaċ-ċittadini. Id-delegazzjoni Maltija pproponiet ukoll emendi għad-Dikjarazzjoni ta’ Varsavja f’għeluq il-100 Anniversarju mill-bidu tal-Ewwel Gwerra Dinjija u l-75 Anniversarju mill-bidu tat-Tieni Gwerra Dinjija. Il-proposta tagħhom kienet li l-kliem “Europe should be one” jinbidlu għal “A united Europe” sabiex tiġi evitata kwalunkwe referenza għall-federaliżmu. L-Assoċjazzjoni aċċettat u approvat din l-emenda.

Bejn it-12 u l-14 ta’ Novembru, is-Sur Alfred Portelli u Dr Manuel Borda pparteċipaw fil-Kollokju organizzat mill-Assoċjazzjoni Ewropea ta’ Membri Parlamentari Anzjani dwar ‘The challenges for democracy in times of globalisation – how to strengthen the democratic institutions and people’s participation?’ li saret fi Brussell.

6. ATTIVITAJIET OĦRA

6.1 Pubblikazzjoni “Is-Sedja Titkellem”

Lejn l-aħħar ta’ Marzu ġiet ippubblikata l-ewwel ħarġa ta’ ktieb li jiġbor ir-rulings kollha li ngħataw mill-Ispeaker matul din il-Leġiżlatura fl-ewwel sena tagħha, bl-isem Is-Sedja Titkellem.

Din il-pubblikazzjoni hija l-ewwel tax-xorta tagħha u tqassmet lill-Membri Parlamentari kollha, filwaqt li ser tkun disponibbli fil-librerija tal-istess Parlament.

Din l-ewwel pubblikazzjoni ġiet ukoll ippreżentata lill-Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Joseph Muscat, kif ukoll lill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni, l-Onor. Simon Busuttil, bħala l-mexxejja tal-gruppi parlamentari rappreżentati fil-Parlament.

6.2 Ħatra tal-President ta’ Malta

Kif ipprovdut f’artikolu 48 tal-Kostituzzjoni ta’ Malta, il-President ta’ Malta jiġi appuntat permezz ta’ riżoluzzjoni tal-Kamra tad-Deputati u skont l-artikolu 50, persuna hekk appuntata għandha tieħu ġurament tal-kariga quddiem il-Kamra. Wara li l-mozzjoni dwar in-nomina tas-Sja Marie Louise Coleiro Preca bħala President tar-Repubblika ġiet approvata b’mod unanimu mill-Kamra, iċ-ċerimonja tal-ħatra uffiċjali saret f’seduta speċjali tal-Kamra fis-Sala tal-Gran Kunsill tal-Palazz tal-Granmastri, il-Belt Valletta, fl-4 ta’ April 2014.

6.3 EkoSkola

Fid-29 ta’ Mejju, il-Kamra tad-Deputati laqgħet l-10 sessjoni parlamentari tal-EkoSkola. Is-sessjoni parlamentari tal-EkoSkola hija avveniment annwali li jiġbor flimkien tfal u żgħażagħ minn diversi skejjel u jġibhom wiċċ imb’wiċċ ma’ dawk il-persuni li jfasslu l-politika tal-pajjiż f’dibattitu parlamentari, fejn jiġu diskussi modi kif tista’ titjieb il-kwalità tal-ħajja fl-iskola u fil-pajjiż b’mod ġenerali.

Is-seduta kienet ippreseduta mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia u fiha ħadu sehem 76 student minn 38 skola. Għadd ta’ Membri Parlamentari miż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra pparteċipaw f’din is-Seduta. It-tema ta’ din is-sena kienet l-iżvilupp sostenibbli b’enfasi fuq il-kwistjonijiet ta’ skart, ilma, enerġija, il-familja u edukazzjoni wara t-Tielet Samit Ambjentali taż-Żgħażagħ li nżamm f’Malta fit-28 ta’ Marzu.

Il-mozzjoni ppreżentata fil-bidu tas-sessjoni kienet taqra “Aħna dejjem lesti li nimpenjaw ruħna għaliex aħna nemmnu li jekk ikollna ambjent aħjar, ikollna saħħa aħjar. U jekk saħħitna tkun aħjar nistgħu ngawdu ħajja aktar ferħana u ngawdu minn soċjetà aktar b’saħħitha”.

20 Membru Parlamentari miż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra pparteċipaw f’dan l-avveniment, inkluż il-Prim Ministru l-Onor. Joseph Muscat u l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni l-Onor. Simon Busuttil.

6.4 NSTF Mini European Assembly

Fil-25 ta’ April inżammet l-24 sessjoni annwali tal-NSTF Mini European Assembly (MEA) ġewwa s-Sala tal-Parlament bil-parteċipazzjoni ta’ madwar 40 student żagħżugħ. L-MEA hija simulazzjoni tal-Assemblea Parlamentari tal-Kunsill tal-Ewropa fejn studenti jirrappreżentaw pajjiżi Ewropej differenti u jiddiskutu suġġetti b’relevanza għall-Ewropa mill-perspettiva politika tal-pajjiż Ewropew

74 li jirrappreżentaw. Il-parteċipanti huma studenti mill-iskejjel postsekondarji u fl-ewwel sena tal-edukazzjoni terzjarja f’Malta u Għawdex li jinqasmu f’timijiet ta’ ħames studenti kull wieħed.

It-tema tas-sessjoni ta’ din is-sena kienet ‘Creative Europe. Are EU programmes in culture & arts contributing to cultural diversity and the promotion of the arts within the member states?’ L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia mexxa din is-sessjoni plenarja u għamel ukoll l-indirizz tal-ftuħ, segwit minn indirizz tal-mistieden speċjali, il-Viċi President tal-Parlament Ewropew Jacek Protasiewicz. Fi tmiem is-sessjoni, l-Ispeaker ippreżenta l-premju tal-aħjar kelliem (Best Speaker’s Award) lil Francesca Zarb.

6.5 Diskors fl-okkażjoni tas-Sette Giugno

Kull sena, il-Kamra tad-Deputati tikkommemora l-ġrajjiet tas-Sette Giugno li huma kkunsidrati bħala wieħed mill-ewwel passi fil-proċess politiku lejn l-indipendenza ta’ Malta mir-Renju Unit u kkontribwew b’mod sinifikanti għall-iżvilupp parlamentari f’Malta. Iċ-ċerimonja li tfakkar il-vittmi li kienu ħallew ħajjithom fis-7 ta’ Ġunju 1919 issir quddiem il-monument tas-Sette Giugno li jinsab fil-Ġonna ta’ Hastings fil-Belt Valletta. Matul iċ-ċerimonja l-Ispeaker tal-Kamra, il-Prim Ministru u l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni jpoġġu kuruni quddiem il-monument u l-Ispeaker jagħmel diskors dwar it-tisħiħ tal-iżvilupp parlamentari.

Din is-sena, fid-diskors tiegħu fis-6 ta’ Ġunju, l-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia tkellem dwar is-sitwazzjoni politika li kien jinsab fiha pajjiżna fiż-żmien li seħħew l-irvellijiet tas-Sette Giugno u dwar kif dawn l-avvenimenti kienu wkoll marbuta mal-kwistjoni tal-lingwa f’Malta. Dawn l-istess avvenimenti wasslu għall-għoti tal-Kostituzzjoni Amery-Milner tal-1921.

L-Ispeaker tkellem ukoll dwar il-ħidma mwettqa mill-Kumitat Magħżul tal-Kamra mwaqqaf sabiex jagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet dwar it-twaqqif ta’ Uffiċċju u Kumitat Permanenti dwar l-Istandards, l-etika u l-imġiba xierqa fil-ħajja pubblika. Bħala riżultat tal-ħidma ta’ dan il-Kumitat, id-Deputat Prim Ministru l-Onor. Louis Grech ressaq l-Ewwel Qari ta’ Abbozz ta’ Liġi dwar l-Istandards fil-Ħajja Pubblika fl-20 ta’ Mejju, u kien issekondat mill-Membru tal-Oppożizzjoni, l-Onor. Francis Zammit Dimech.

Fid-diskors tiegħu l-Ispeaker irrefera wkoll għall-ħidma ta’ kummissjoni interna parlamentari mwaqqfa sabiex tagħmel rakkomandazzjonijiet dwar l-awtonomija amministrattiva tal-Parlament Malti kif ukoll għal numru ta’ inizjattivi maħsuba biex jagħmlu x-xogħol tal-Kamra aktar aċċessibbli għall-pubbliku.

6.6 Jum l-Ewropa

Nhar it-12 ta’ Mejju, għall-ewwel darba, il-Kamra tad-Deputati fakkret l-okkażjoni ta’ Jum l-Ewropa li huwa ċċelebrat fid-9 ta’ Mejju. Il-Kumitat dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra qabel li tigi ddedikata parti mill-ewwel seduta wara din id-data għal diskors qasir miż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra.

L-Onor. Marthese Portelli, Kelliema tal-Oppożizzjoni għall-Affarijiet Ewropej, tkellmet dwar il-kundizzjonijiet li fl-1950 wasslu għat-twaqqif tal-Komunità Ewropea tal-Faħam u l-Azzar li minn dakinhar evolviet fl-Unjoni Ewropea ta’ 28 Stat Membru li nafu llum - kontinent ta’ paċi, libertà, kummerċ ħieles u solidarjetà. L-Onor. Portelli tkellmet ukoll dwar id-diversi fondi Ewropej u kif Malta bbenefikat minnhom matul is-snin. L-Onor. Portelli kkonkludiet li l-Ewropa mhijiex biss l-ideal ta’ missirijietna iżda hija wkoll ir-realtà u l-futur taż-żgħażagħ tal-lum.

F’isem il-Gvern, l-Onor. Ian Borg, Segretarju Parlamentari għall-Fondi tal-UE u l-Presidenza 2017, tkellem dwar il-bżonn li mhux biss titfakkar l-istorja tal-Unjoni Ewropea iżda wkoll li nħarsu ’l quddiem lejn il-futur tagħha. Huwa żied jgħid li fil-programm leġiżlattiv tagħha, l-Unjoni Ewropea

għandha timxi ’l quddiem fl-isfond ta’ sussidjarjetà u proporzjonalità. L-Onor. Borg ikkonkluda d- diskors tiegħu billi rrefera għall-Presidenza tal-Kunsill Ewropew li Malta se tieħu f’idejha fl-2017, li għal pajjiżna se tkun l-ewwel esperjenza ta’ din ix-xorta u għandha sservi bħala opportunità għall-poplu Malti kollu biex jingħaqad u jasserixxi illi l-Ewropa hija tassew tiegħu.

6.7 Parlament Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ

Fit-18 ta' Settembru, il-Parlament Malti ospita l-edizzjoni tal-2014 tal-Parlament taż-Żgħażagħ, avveniment annwali fil-kalendarju parlamentari. Dan l-avveniment huwa organizzat mill-Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ (KNŻ) u l-għan tiegħu huwa li jlaqqa’ żgħażagħ biex jifformulaw politika dwar temi partikolari. Il-parteċipanti żgħażagħ jiddiskutu dawn il-politiki u jittieħdu vot fuqhom f'simulazzjoni ta’ seduta parlamentari.

Bħal fis-snin preċedenti l-avveniment kien maqsum f'żewġ partijiet: l-ewwel parti indirizzata għal żgħażagħ ta’ bejn l-etajiet ta’ 14 u 17-il sena u t-tieni parti għal żgħażagħ ta’ bejn l-etajiet ta’ 19 u 35.

Il-parteċipanti fl-ewwel sessjoni ddiskutew mozzjonijiet dwar l-eżamijiet u l-istreaming, miżuri maħsuba li jżidu n-numru ta’ turisti f'Malta u t-tibdil fil-klima waqt li l-parteċipanti fit-tieni sessjoni ddiskutew metodi innovattivi għal sistema ta' trasport aktar effiċjenti u d-dekriminalizzazzjoni tad-droga.

Is-sessjoni ta’ din is-sena kienet ippreseduta mid-Deputy Speaker, l-Onor. Ċensu Galea, u għaliha attendew numru ta' Membri Parlamentari miż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra.

6.8 Science in the House

Science in the House ukoll sar avveniment annwali organizzat mill-konsorzju Science in the City u bħal fi snin preċedenti dan kien organizzat fil-Parlament Malti. Science in the House huwa l-avveniment li jiftaħ il-festival tax-xjenza prestiġjuż Science in the City, Researchers’ Night. L-avveniment jiċċelebra u jirrikonoxxi l-kisbiet ta' Maltin riċerkaturi fix-xjenza, akkademiċi u inġiniera. Science in the House jservi bħala forum għal skambju ta’ ideat bejn riċerkaturi Maltin u l-Kamra tad-Deputati.

L-edizzjoni tal-2014 ta' Science in the House kienet f’forma ta’ wirja ta’ posters dwar riċerka mwettqa fl-Università ta' Malta u bnadi oħra f'Malta li servew ta’ bażi għal diskussjoni informali mal-Membri tal-Parlament. Għaċ-ċerimonja tal-ftuħ li saret f’waħda mill-kmamar tal-kumitati fil-25 ta' Settembru, kien hemm preżenti d-Deputy Speaker, l-Onor. Ċensu Galea, il-Whip tal-Gvern l-Onor. Carmelo Abela, ir-Rettur tal-Università il-Prof. Juanito Camilleri u l-Lead Coordinator ta’ Science in the City il-Prof. Alex Felice.

6.9 Notte Bianca

Bħal fis-snin preċedenti, il-Parlament għal darb’oħra fetaħ il-bibien tiegħu għall-pubbliku bħala parti mill-attivitajiet tan-Notte Bianca organizzati fil-Belt Valletta. Nhar l-4 ta’ Ottubru, membri tal-pubbliku, kemm Maltin kif ukoll barranin, kellhom l-opportunità li jaraw il-kmamar tal-kumitati kif ukoll is-Sala tal-Parlament fejn kellhom l-opportunità li jpoġġu fis-Sedja u jimmaġinaw kif tiżvolġi seduta parlamentari tipika. Uffiċjali tal-Parlament kienu preżenti sabiex iwieġbu l-mistoqsijiet tan-nies u jipprovdu informazzjoni dwar il-ħidma mwettqa mill-Parlament.

Bħal fis-snin ta’ qabel, eluf ta’ nies żaru l-kmamar tal-Parlament f’din l-okkażjoni, li hija l-unika darba li dawn il-kmamar huma miftuħa għall-pubbliku.

6.10 Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport tal-Grupp ta’ Ħidma fuq id-Dijabete

Fl-24 ta’ Ottubru l-Onor. Godfrey Farrugia, President tal-Grupp ta’ Ħidma fuq id-Dijabete, u l-Onor. Simon Busuttil, Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni, ippreżentaw ir-rapport Health Choices (Għażliet dwar is-Saħħa) lill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia. Ir-rapport jelenka r-rakkomandazzjonijiet imressqa mill-11-il Membru Parlamentari miż-żewġ naħat tal-Kamra li jiffurmaw dan il-grupp ta’ ħidma. L-għan ta’ dawn ir-rakkomandazzjonijiet huwa li jkunu mistħarrġa modi li permezz tagħhom il-ħajja ta’ dawk il-persuni li jbatu mid-dijabete tista’ tiġi mtejba. L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia faħħar l-isforzi tal-grupp ta’ ħidma li kollettivament indirizzaw problema li taffettwa aktar minn 30,000 ruħ f’Malta, b’eluf oħrajn li għadhom ma ġewx djanjożati.

6.11 Konferenza dwar il-Parteċipazzjoni tan-Nisa fil-Politika f’Malta

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia indirizza s-sessjoni tal-ftuħ tal-Konferenza dwar il-Parteċipazzjoni tan-Nisa fil-Politika f’Malta li kienet organizzata fil-kamra tal-kumitati fit-3 ta’ Novembru b’mod konġunt bejn il-Kamra tad-Deputati u l-Uffiċċju għall-Istituzzjonijiet Demokratiċi u d-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem tal-OSCE (ODIHR), il-Kummissarju Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza u l-Kunsill Nazzjonali tan-Nisa. Fl-indirizz tal-ftuħ l-Ispeaker Farrugia qal li l-parteċipazzjoni tan-nisa fil-politika hija indikatur ewlieni tal-kwalità ta’ kultura demokratika. Hu qal ukoll li Parlamenti sensittivi għaż-żewġ sessi jirrispondu għall-ħtiġijiet u l-interessi tal-irġiel u n-nisa u għalhekk huma ċentrali għal tmexxija parlamentari tajba.

Il-Konferenza kienet indirizzata wkoll mill-Onor. Helena Dalli, Ministru għad-Djalogu Soċjali, Affarijiet tal-Konsumatur u Libertajiet Ċivili, mis-Sinjura Renee Laiviera, Kummissarju Nazzjonali għall-Promozzjoni tal-Ugwaljanza u minn Dr Nathalie Tagwerker, Deputat Kap tad-Dipartiment tad-Demokratizzazzjoni tal-ODIHR.

6.12 Tnedija tal-ktieb‘Nidħqu bina nfusna – politika bi tbissima’

Fl-14 ta’ Novembru l-ex Membru Parlamentari u ex Kummissarju tal-Unjoni Ewropea Tonio Borg nieda ktieb ġdid Nidħqu Bina Nfusna – Politika bi Tbissima li jiġbor aktar minn 100 ġrajja umoristika mill-ħajja politika ta’ Membri preżenti kif ukoll ta’ dawk li kienu Membri fil-passat. It-tnedija tal-ktieb saret taħt l-awspiċi tal-Ispeaker tal-Kamra fis-Sala tal-Arazzi fil-Palazz. F’din l-okkażjoni l-awtur introduċa l-ktieb lill-mistednin flimkien mal-Ispeaker Farrugia u l-Imħallef Emeritu Giovanni Bonello.

6.13 Parlament għal Persuni b’Diżabilità

Nhar l-Erbgħa, 10 ta’ Diċembru fil kamra tal-kumitati nżammet is-sessjoni tal-2014 tal-Parlament għal Persuni b’Diżabilità. It-tema tas-sessjoni ta’ din is-sena kienet ‘Id-Deċiżjoni Tiegħi, il-Futur Tiegħi’. L-Onor. Ċensu Galea, Deputy Speaker, fetaħ din il-laqgħa. Saru wkoll diskorsi mis-Sur Oliver Scicluna, Chairman tal-Kummissjoni Persuni b’Diżabilità, il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni, l-Onor. Simon Busuttil, is Segretarju Parlamentari għad Drittijiet ta’ Persuni b’Diżabilità u Anzjanità Attiva, l-Onor. Justyne Caruana u l-kelliem tal-Oppożizzjoni dwar ix-Xogħol u Drittijiet tal-Persuni b’Diżabilità, l-Onor. Stephen Spiteri. Il-persuni b’diżabilità li pparteċipaw f’din is sessjoni kellhom l-opportunità li jintervjenu fid-diskussjoni. Id-diskors tal-għeluq tal-attività sar mid-Deputat Prim Ministru, l-Onor. Louis Grech.

Din l-attività kellha s-sapport mill-Programm għall-Impjieg u Solidarjetà Soċjali – PROGRESS (2007-2013) tal•Unjoni Ewropea.

6.14 Għotja tal-Awguri għas-Sena l-Ġdida

Fil-31 ta’ Diċembru 2014, minbarra l-iskambji ta’ awguri għas-sena l-ġdida tradizzjonali fl-uffiċċji tal-President, tal-Prim Ministru, tal-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u l-awtoritajiet ekkleżjastiċi, l-Ispeaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati l-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia, flimkien mad-Deputy Speaker l-Onor. Ċensu Galea u Deputy Whips l-Onor. Deborah Schembri u l-Onor. Frederick Azzopardi, laqa’ rappreżentanti tal-korpi kostitwiti, tas-soċjetà ċivili u l-pubbliku inġenerali.

7. KONDOLJANZI

Matul l-2014 il-Kamra wriet is-sobgħa tagħha għat-telfa ta’ dawn il-persuni:

 fis-27 ta’ Jannar fakkret lis-Sur Wistin Abela, ex Membru Parlamentari, li ġie nieqes fl-20 ta’ Jannar;

 fil-15 ta’ Lulju fakkret lis-Sur Francis Bezzina Wettinger, ex Membru Parlamentari, li ġie nieqes fil-5 ta’ Lulju; u

 fit-13 ta’ Ottubru fakkret lil Dr Alexander Cachia Zammit, ex Membru Parlamentari, li ġie nieqes fit-30 ta’ Lulju.

Fl-1 ta’ Novembru 2005, f’riżoluzzjoni sponsorjata minn 104 Stati Membri, l-Assemblea Ġenerali tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti ddikjarat is-27 ta’ Jannar bħala l-Jum Internazzjonali ta’ Tifkira tal-Olokawst. Għaldaqstant, fis-27 ta’ Jannar, il-Kamra fakkret l-avvenimenti tal-Olokawst billi saru diskorsi mill-Ministru għall-Affarijiet Barranin, l-Onor. George Vella, u mill-Onor. Mario de Marco. Wara, ġiet osservata minuta ta’ silenzju.

Il-Kamra osservat ukoll minuta ta’ silenzju biex tfakkar il-vittmi tat-traġedja tat-titjira MH17 tal-Malaysia Airlines li ġrat fis-17 ta’ Lulju fejn l-ajruplan iġġarraf fi triqtu minn Amsterdam għal Kuala Lumpur. L-Ispeaker bagħat ukoll il-kondoljanzi tiegħu lill-Ispeaker tas-Senat Olandiż peress li wieħed mill-passiġġieri li tilef ħajtu f’din it-traġedja kien is-Sur Willem Witteveen, membru tas-Senat Olandiż.

L-Onor. Marie Lousie Coleiro Preca tippreżenta l-ittra ta’ riżenja minn Membru Parlamentari lill-Iskrivan tal-Kamra, 1 ta’ April

Ħatra tal-ET Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President ta’ Malta, 4 ta’ April

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia u delegazzjoni parlamenari jiltaqgħu mal-President tar-Repubblika Ellenika, l-ET Karolas Pappoulias, 13 ta’ Frar

Tnedija tal-pubblikazzjoni “Is-Sedja Titkellem”, li tiġbor id-deċiżjonijiet mogħtija mis-Sedja, 16 ta’ April

Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport tal-Grupp ta’ Ħidma fuq id-Dijabete, 24 ta’ Ottubru

Indirizz mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia fl-okkażjoni tal-kommemorazzjoni tas-Sette Giugno, 6 ta’ Ġunju

L-Onor. Charles Mangion jieħu l-ġurament bħala Membru tal-Parlament, 16 ta’ April

L-Onor. Joseph Farrugia jieħu l-ġurament bħala Membru tal-Parlament, 10 ta’ Novembru

L-24 Sessjoni annwali tal-Mini European Assembly tal-NSTF, 25 ta’ April

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia mal-parteċipanti tal-10 Sessjoni Parlamentari tal-EkoSkola, 29 ta’ Mejju

L-2014 edizzjoni ta’ “Science in the House”, 25 ta’ Settembru

L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia u ż-żewġ Whips jiltaqgħu mal-Membri eletti fil-Parlament Ewropew, 9 ta’ Ġunju

Tnedija tal-ktieb ta’ Tonio Borg “Nidħqu bina nfusna – politika bi tbissima” fit-Tapestry Chamber, 14 ta’ Novembru

L-Ispeaker jirċievi l-Membri Parlamentari u rappreżentanti tal-korpi kostitwiti u s-soċjetà ċivili għal bdil ta’ awguri għas-sena l-ġdida 2015, 31 ta’ Diċembru

MEMBRI PARLAMENTARI 12-il Leġiżlatura

31 ta’ Diċembru 2014

Speaker tal-Kamra tad-Deputati: L-Onor. Anġlu Farrugia

Partit Laburista (Gvern) Partit Nazzjonalista (Oppożizzjoni)

L-Onorevoli L-Onorevoli

Abela Carmelo Agius David Agius Chris Arrigo Robert Agius Decelis Anthony Azzopardi Frederick Bartolo Evarist Azzopardi Jason Bonnici Owen Bezzina Toni Borg Ian Bonnici Charlò Brincat Leo Borg Antoine Buhagiar Charles Busuttil Simon Buontempo Stefan Buttigieg Claudette Busuttil Luciano Callus Ryan Cardona Chris Cassar Joe Caruana Justyne Cutajar Robert Dalli Helena de Marco Mario Debattista Deo Debono Giovanna Debono Grech Joe Debono Kristy Falzon Michael Fenech Albert Farrugia Godfrey Fenech Tonio Farrugia Joseph Fenech Adami Beppe Farrugia Marlene Galea Ċensu Farrugia Michael Galea Mario Fearne Chris Gonzi Michael Galdes Roderick Grech Claudio Grech Etienne Mifsud Bonnici Carmelo Grech Louis Mifsud Bonnici Paula Herrera José Portelli Marthese Mallia Emanuel Puli Clyde Mangion Charles Pullicino George Mercieca Franco Said Chris Mizzi Joe Spiteri Stephen Mizzi Konrad Zammit Dimech Francis Muscat Joseph Parnis Silvio Refalo Anton Sammut Joseph M. Schembri Deborah Schembri Silvio Scicluna Edward Vella George Zammit Lewis Edward

ATTIVITAJIET TAL-ISPEAKER TAL-KAMRA TAD-DEPUTATI

14 ta’ Jannar Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Trevor Matheson, Kummissarju Għoli ta’ New Zealand

28 ta’ Jannar Preżentazzjoni tal-Performance Audit Report: Addressing Social Benefit Fraud mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

28 ta’ Jannar Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Ayse Sezgin, Ambaxxatriċi tar-Repubblika tat-Turkija

29 ta’ Jannar Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Ali Bin Saad Ali Al-Kharij, Ambaxxatur tal-Istat tal-Qatar

31 ta’ Jannar Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Saeed Alkaabi, Ambaxxatur tal-Emirati Għarab Magħquda

31 ta’ Jannar Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Shijeekhuu Odombaatar, Ambaxxatur tal-Mongolja

31 ta’ Jannar Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Jahanbakhsh Mozafari, Ambaxxatur tar-Repubblika Iżlamika tal-Iran

18 ta’ Frar Laqgħa mal-Membru Parlamentari John Mann, President tal-Grupp Parlamentari kontra l-Anti-Semitiżmu tal-House of Commons tar-Renju Unit

22 ta’ Frar Indirizz mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia fil-Konferenza Kapaċità Mentali

24 ta’ Frar Preżentazzjoni tal-pubblikazzjoni IT Audit: Armed Forces of Malta mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

5 ta’ Marzu Preżentazzjoni tal-pubblikazzjoni An Analysis of the Sourcing of Legal Services with respect to the Granting of Concessions to Operate Two Casinos mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

7 ta’ Marzu Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Lars-Hjalmar Wide, Ambaxxatur Mhux Residenti tar-Renju tal-Iżvezja

7 ta’ Marzu Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Lang Yabou, Ambaxxatur Mhux Residenti tar-Repubblika tal-Gambja

10 ta’ Marzu Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport On the strengthening of the Ombudsman Institution – A proposal by the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman mill-Ombudsman, il-Prim Imħallef Emeritu Joseph Said Pullicino

12 ta’ Marzu Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport Work and Activities of the National Audit Office – 2013 mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

15 ta’ Marzu Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-Viċi President tal-Parlament Ewropew, Gianni Pittella

25 ta’ Marzu Indirizz mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia fit-XXII Konferenza tal-Awdituri Ġenerali tal-Commonwealth li saret f’Malta

28 ta’ Marzu Preżentazzjoni mill-Ispeaker tal-pubblikazzjoni Is-Sedja Titkellem lill-Prim Ministru l-Onor. Joseph Muscat u lill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni l-Onor. Simon Busuttil

7 ta’ April Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-Prim Imħallef ta’ Ġibiltà, l-Onor. Fabian Picardo u l-Onor. Albert Isola, Ministru għas-Servizzi Finanzjarji u l-Gaming, Gareth Flower, Chief of Staff tal-Uffiċċju taċ-Chief Minister, u r-Rappreżentant tar-Renju Unit Albert Poggio

11 ta’ April Żjara ta’ korteżija mid-Deputat Prim Ministru tal-Moldova lid-Deputy Speaker l-Onor. Ċensu Galea

15 ta’ April Preżentazzjoni tal-pubblikazzjoni tar-rapport An Analysis of WasteServ Malta Limited’s Procurement: A Case Study Perspective mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

15 ta’ April Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President tar-Repubblika ta’ Malta

16 ta’ April Tnedija uffiċjali tal-pubblikazzjoni Is-Sedja Titkellem

25 ta’ April Parteċipazzjoni f’Jum it-Tifkira tas-Suldati tal-ANZAC

30 ta’ April Żjara minn delegazzjoni ta’ impjegati tal-Kamra tad-Deputati, immexxija mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia, lill-esibizzjoni ‘MALTA – The Great Story of a small Island-Nation through 100 Objects’

30 ta’ April Laqgħa ma’ Dr Nathalie Tagwerker, Deputat Kap tal-Uffiċċju għall- Istituzzjonijiet Demokratiċi u d-Drittijiet tal-Bniedem tal-OSCE (ODIHR), Dipartiment tad-Demokratizzazzjoni

30 ta’ April Żjara tal-aħħar mill-ET Saleh Mohammed Al Ghamdi, Ambaxxatur Mhux Residenti tal-Arabja Sawdita

9 ta’ Mejju L-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia attenda għall-ewwel seduta tal-Imħallef Edwina Grima

2 ta’ Ġunju Żjara tal-aħħar mill-ET Anil Kumar Trigunayat, Kummissarju Għoli Mhux Residenti tal-Indja

Preżentazzjoni tal-pubblikazzjoni tar-rapport An investigation into the procurement of legal services by the Privatisation Unit between 2008 and 2013 mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

9 ta’ Ġunju Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-Membri eletti ġodda Maltin għall-Parlament Ewropew David Casa, Therese Comodini Cachia, Miriam Dalli, Roberta Metsola u Marlene Mizzi

10 ta’ Ġunju Kunċert tas-Soċjetà Filarmonika Madonna tal-Ġilju, l-Imqabba, li saret taħt l-awspiċi tal-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia

11 ta’ Ġunju Preżentazzjoni tal-medalja ta’ kommemorazzjoni tal-75 anniversarju ta’ self government f’Malta lill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia

13 ta’ Ġunju Żjara ta’ korteżija minn Lt Gen. (rtirat) Javed Zia, Kummissarju Għoli tar-Repubblika Iżlamika tal-Pakistan

19 ta’ Ġunju Indirizz mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia lill-Ambassadors’ Circle

27 ta’ Ġunju Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Stella Stingaci, Ambaxxatriċi tal-Moldova

27 ta’ Ġunju Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Sargis Ghazaryan, Ambaxxatur tal-Armenja

8 ta’ Lulju Petizzjoni ppreżentata minn Dyslexia Dialogue Teens lill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia

8 ta’ Lulju Żjara mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia u delegazzjoni mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra lis-sit ġdid tal-Parlament

14 ta’ Lulju Preżentazzjoni tal-Performance Audit Report: Malta’s level of preparedness to deal with oil pollution at sea mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

18 ta’ Lulju Żjara tal-aħħar mill-ET Felipe de la Morena, Ambaxxatur tar-Renju ta’ Spanja

18 ta’ Lulju Żjara tal-aħħar mill-ET Souad Gueblaoui, Ambaxxatur tar-Repubblika tat-Tuneżija

22 ta’ Lulju Preżentazzjoni tal-pubblikazzjoni IT Audit: Employment and Training Corporation mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

12 ta’ Awwissu Preżentazzjoni lill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia tal-ktieb Mr Speaker: The Office and the Individuals since 1945 mill-awtur tal-ktieb Matthew Laban

27 ta’ Awwissu Żjara tal-aħħar mill-ET Jim Hennessy, Ambaxxatur tar-Repubblika tal-Irlanda

9 ta’ Settembru Preżentazzjoni lill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia tal-ktieb Urban Peregrines mill-awtur tal-ktieb Ed Drewitt

10 ta’ Settembru Preżentazzjoni lill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia tal-ktieb Malta Pachino mill-ko-awtur tal-ktieb Silvio Aliffi

15 ta’ Settembru Preżentazzjoni tal-Ombudsplan 2015 mill-Ombudsman, il-Prim Imħallef Emetiru Joseph Said Pullicino

15 ta’ Settembru Żjara mill-Ispeaker Anġlu Farrugia u delegazzjoni mill-Kumitat Permanenti dwar ix-Xogħol tal-Kamra lis-sit ġdid tal-Parlament

29 ta’ Settembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Josè Pons, Ambaxxatur tar-Renju ta’ Spanja

29 ta’ Settembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Padraig Mac Coscair, Ambaxxatur tar-Repubblika tal-Irlanda

30 ta’ Settembru Żjara ta’ korteżija minn Frank Scicluna, Konslu Onorarju ta’ Adelaide, l- Awstralja

30 ta’ Settembru Żjara ta’ korteżija minn kadetti ġodda tal-Pulizija

1 ta’ Ottubru Żjara ta’ korteżija minn delegazzjoni ta’ membri tas-CDU tal-Bundestag mmexxija minn Peter Bleser

14 ta’ Ottubru Żjara ta’ korteżija minn Waldemar Pawlak, ex Prim Ministru tal-Polonja

15 ta’ Ottubru Preżentazzjoni tal-pubblikazzjoni Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools: Regularity Audit of Procurement mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

17 ta’ Ottubru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Bukurije Gjonbalaj, Ambaxxatur Mhux Residenti tar-Repubblika tal-Kosovo

17 ta’ Ottubru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Fernando Ayala, Ambaxxatur Mhux Residenti tar-Repubblika taċ-Ċili

20 ta’ Ottubru Żjara ta’ korteżija minn delegazzjoni tal-Organizzazzjoni Nisa Laburisti

22 ta’ Ottubru Żjara ta’ korteżija minn delegazzjoni tal-Istitut ta’ Napli Francesco Saverio Nitti

24 ta’ Ottubru Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport Health Choices – Proposals of the Parliamentary Working Group on Diabetes Mellitus mill-Grupp ta’ Ħidma dwar id-Dijabete, ippresedut mill-Onor. Godfrey Farrugia u mill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni l-Onor. Simon Busuttil, segwita minn konferenza stampa fejn ġie mniedi dan ir-rapport

27 ta’ Ottubru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-Prim Ministru l-Onor. Joseph Muscat u mis-Segretarju Permanenti Ewlieni Mario Cutajar dwar l-inizjattiva biex jiġu emendati jew imneħħija partijiet ta’ liġijiet li huma qodma

14 ta’ Novembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Celia Kuningas Saagpakk, Ambaxxatriċi tar-Repubblika tal-Estonja

14 ta’ Novembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Giancarlo Kessler, Ambaxxatur tal-Iżvizzera

14 ta’ Novembru Żjara tal-aħħar mill-ET Alexandros Rallis, Ambaxxatur tar-Repubblika Ellenika

14 ta’ Novembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Artis Bertulis, Ambaxxatur tar-Repubblika tal-Latvja

28 ta’ Novembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-Kummissarju Għoli tar-Repubblika tas-Seychelles, l-ET Marie Pierre Lloyd

28 ta’ Novembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-Kummissarju Għoli tar-Repubblika tal-Indja, l-ET Azar A.H. Khan

1 ta’ Diċembru Laqgħa mal-Ambaxxatur tal-Ażerbajġan, l-ET Vaqif Sadiqov

2 ta’ Diċembru Preżentazzjoni tal-Annual Report for 2013 of the Office of the Ombudsman u tal-Case Notes 2013 (Edition 33) mill-Ombudsman, il-Prim Imħallef Emeritu Joseph Said Pullicino

2 ta’ Diċembru Preżentazzjoni tar-rapport The Workings of Local Government mill-Awditur Ġenerali Anthony Mifsud u d-Deputat Awditur Ġenerali Charles Deguara

3 ta’ Diċembru Indirizz mill-Ispeaker fl-avveniment tal-għeluq taċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tal-25 Anniversarju tal-MEDAC

3 ta’ Diċembru Żjara tal-aħħar mill-ET Michel Vandepoorter, Ambaxxatur tar-Repubblika ta’ Franza

4 ta’ Diċembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Juan Sebastián Betancur Escobar, Ambaxxatur Mhux Residenti tar-Repubblika tal-Kolombja

4 ta’ Diċembru Żjara ta’ korteżija mill-ET Steve Vemunavi Katjiuanjo, Ambaxxatur Mhux Residenti tar-Repubblika tan-Namibja

4 ta’ Diċembru Preżentazzjoni mill-Ispeaker tat-tieni volum tal-pubblikazzjoni tal-Uffiċċju tal-Ispeaker Is-Sedja Titkellem lill-Prim Ministru u lill-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni.

ANNUAL REPORT 2014

KAMRA TAD-DEPUTATI PARLAMENT TA’ MALTA

Triq ir-Repubblika Valletta – Malta

Tel: +356 2559 6000

Website: www.parlament.mt

Printed at the Government Printing Press

‘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]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. HOUSE BUSINESS ...... 11

1.1 Overview ...... 11 1.1.1 New initiatives taken by Parliament in 2014 ...... 11 1.1.2 Composition of Parliament ...... 12 1.2 Legislative Programme ...... 12 1.2.1 New legislation and objectives behind the following bills ...... 12 1.2.2 Amendment Acts and objectives behind the following amendment bills ...... 13 1.3 Parliamentary Questions ...... 18 1.4 Ministerial Statements ...... 18 1.5 Petitions...... 19 1.6 Motions ...... 19 1.7 Papers Laid on the Table of the House ...... 21 1.8 Rulings ...... 21 1.9 Parliamentary Whips ...... 23 1.10 Leader of the House ...... 23

2. STANDING COMMITTEES...... 24

2.1 Standing Committee on House Business ...... 24 2.2 Standing Committee on Privileges...... 26 2.2.1 Breach of privilege complaint raised by the Prime Minister against the Leader of the Opposition ...... 27 2.2.2 Breach of privilege complaint raised by Hon. George Pullicino against the Minister for Energy and Health ...... 27 2.3 Standing Committee on Public Accounts ...... 27 2.4 Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs ...... 30 2.4.1 Subsidiarity and political dialogue with the European Commission...... 33 2.4.2 Informal Meetings ...... 34 2.4.3 Sub-Committees ...... 34 2.4.4 Meetings of the Working Groups ...... 35 2.5 Standing Committee on Social Affairs ...... 35 2.6 Standing Committee on Family Affairs ...... 38 2.7 Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs ...... 38 2.8 Standing Committee on Health ...... 40 2.9 Standing Committee for the Consideration of Bills ...... 42 2.10 National Audit Office Accounts Committee...... 44 2.11 Standing Committee on Environment and Development Planning ...... 45 2.12 Parliamentary Group on the European Capital of Culture 2018 ...... 47

3. SELECT COMMITTEES ...... 49

3.1 Select Committee tasked with making recommendations to the House on the establishment of an Office of Commissioner and Standing Committee on Standards, Ethics and Proper Behaviour in Public Life ...... 49

4. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES ...... 50

4.1 Outgoing visits and participation in international fora by the Speaker ...... 50 4.1.1 Official visit to New South Wales, Australia and 22nd Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, Wellington, New Zealand ...... 50 4.1.2 Participation in the ceremonies marking the celebration of the adoption of the New Tunisian Constitution ...... 50 4.1.3 Official visit to Tbilisi, Georgia ...... 51 4.1.4 International Conference ‘What Europe stands for – Growth, jobs and rights: will the European Union rise to the occasion?’, Rome ...... 51 4.1.5 2014 International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy and Religion, Rome .... 52 4.1.6 Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Vilnius, Lithuania 52 4.1.7 Conference on Strengthening the capacity of parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors to prevent corruption in their own ranks: emerging trends from two years of GRECO Round IV Evaluations, Vienna, Austria ...... 52 4.1.8 Celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the first free elections held in Poland after 1945, Warsaw, Poland ...... 52 4.1.9 Canonisation Mass by Pope Francis ...... 53 4.1.10 Round Table Conference organised by the commune of Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily ...... 53 4.1.11 Eleventh Workshop of Parliamentary Scholars and Parliamentarians, Wroxton, United Kingdom ...... 53 4.1.12 11th General Meeting of the International Parliamentarians’ Coalition for North Korean Refugees and Human Rights (IPCNKR), Bucharest, Romania ...... 54 4.1.13 European Conference of Presidents of Parliament, Oslo, Norway ...... 54 4.1.14 Parliamentary Intelligence Forum, Washington, USA ...... 55 4.1.15 Conference of Presidents of Parliament of European Small States, Andorra .. 55 4.1.16 CPA 34th Small Branches Conference and 60th Annual Conference, Yaoundé, Cameroon ...... 55 4.1.17 Visit to Saudi Arabia ...... 56 4.1.18 Participation in the 66th Plenary Meeting of GRECO ...... 56 4.2 Outgoing Visits of Maltese Parliamentary Delegations ...... 56 4.2.1 Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs ...... 56 4.2.2 European Parliament and European Union Presidency Meetings...... 57 4.2.3 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe...... 58 4.2.4 Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean ...... 61 4.2.5 Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean...... 63 4.2.6 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association ...... 64 4.2.7 Inter-Parliamentary Union ...... 65 4.2.8 Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe ...... 66 4.2.9 Other meetings ...... 67 4.3 Incoming Visits and Conferences organised by the Maltese Parliament ...... 67 4.3.1 Visit by Vice President of the European Commission ...... 67 4.3.2 Visit by the President of the Hellenic Republic ...... 68 4.3.3 Meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the PACE ...... 68 4.3.4 Visit by the President of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association...... 68 4.3.5 Visit by the Israel-Malta Parliamentary Friendship Group ...... 69 4.3.6 Visit by a delegation of the German Bundestag...... 69 4.3.7 Visit by a delegation from the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial Congress, China ...... 69

5. ASSOCIATION OF FORMER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ...... 71

6. OTHER ACTIVITIES ...... 72

6.1 Publication “Is-Sedja Titkellem” ...... 72 6.2 Appointment of the President of Malta ...... 72 6.3 Ekoskola ...... 72 6.4 NSTF Mini European Assembly ...... 72 6.5 Sette Giugno ...... 73 6.6 Europe Day ...... 73 6.7 Youth Parliament ...... 74 6.8 Science in the House ...... 74 6.9 Notte Bianca...... 74 6.10 Launch of the report by the Working Group on Diabetes ...... 74 6.11 Conference on Women’s Political Participation in Malta ...... 75 6.12 Launch of the book ‘Nidħqu bina nfusna – politika bi tbissima’ ...... 75 6.13 Parliament for Persons with Disabilities ...... 75 6.14 Exchange of New Year’s Greetings ...... 75

7. OBITUARIES ...... 77

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ...... 83

ACTIVITIES OF THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ...... 84

FOREWORD

I am pleased to present to you the second Annual Report of the House of Representatives prepared during the current 12th Legislature.

2014 was yet another busy year for the House where in addition to dealing with a considerable legislative workload, a number of very active committees held meetings on a regular basis. On this note it gives me great satisfaction, that on 24 March 2014 I tabled in the House a report of the Select Committee on Standards, ethics and proper behaviour in public life. The report of the Select Committee, which I chaired, included a draft bill on the establishment of an Office of Commissioner and a Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life. Since then the relative Bill has been published and is awaiting its Second Reading in the House.

On 21 May 2014 I tabled a report prepared by an internal commission, which I chaired, on Parliament’s administrative autonomy. The report includes a draft bill on how the commission felt this autonomy could be attained. Since then the relative Bill has been published and the debate at Second Reading stage in the House is well under way. I feel that this will be the next important step in the democratic evolution of this Parliament and the fact that both sides of the House are supporting this Bill is in itself very encouraging.

In 2014 the Institution was also busy making the necessary preparations to be able to migrate to its new House where it now stands. I must admit that a number of setbacks that were encountered made this task an arduous one; however, with the understanding and sense of cooperation of all those involved, this migration finally took place in May 2015. The migration was significant in many ways: Parliament now has its own building to serve its purposes. Furthermore, this move has enabled the setting up of TV broadcast facilities for the Plenary and the committees, a reality which materialised as from the first sitting in the new building.

I look back at 2014 with a deep sense of satisfaction and achievement and augur that this good work can be taken forward in the months to come.

ANĠLU FARRUGIA Speaker

1. HOUSE BUSINESS

1.1 Overview

As can be seen from the information contained in this report, 2014 was another busy year for the Maltese House of Representatives and its members. The report of the year’s activities highlights both the traditional legislative and scrutiny parliamentary functions carried out by the House and also the function of parliamentary diplomacy, the role of which is developing steadily from one year to the next, particularly in the field of interparliamentary cooperation in European Union affairs.

This year, the House, in a special sitting held on 4 April in the Throne Room of the Grand Master’s Palace, unanimously approved the election of former Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, as the next President of the Republic of Malta, making her the 11th President to serve the country since Malta became a Republic in 1974. This led to the first change in the composition of the House of the year. The second change was in October when former Minister for Tourism Hon. Karmenu Vella resigned from the House in order to become Malta’s representative in the European Commission.

1.1.1 New initiatives taken by Parliament in 2014

A number of new initiatives were taken by the House in 2014:

 In addition to the quarterly publication mill-Parlament which was launched at the beginning of the current Legislature, the Office of the Speaker published the first two volumes of Is-Sedja Titkellem, a collection of rulings by the Chair.

 Following the unanimous approval of Motion No. 106 presented on 12 March by Opposition Member Hon. Claudio Grech, the House set up a new standing committee, the Standing Committee on Health, to be chaired by Hon. Etienne Grech.

 On 24 March the Speaker tabled in the House the final report of the Select Committee on standards, ethics and proper behaviour in public life. This report calls for the setting up of a Commissioner and a Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life. The relevant bill was subsequently published on 15 July 2014.

 On 21 May the Speaker tabled in the House a report of the commission on the administrative autonomy for the Maltese Parliament, including a draft bill which would bring such autonomy into effect.

 With the approval of the House Business Committee, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia reached an agreement with one of the main providers of TV services in Malta to start the live video- transmission of parliamentary debates once Parliament moves to the new building at the entrance to Valletta.

 In addition to the traditional exchange of New Year’s greetings at the offices of the President, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the ecclesiastical authorities, this year, the Speaker of the House Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, together with Deputy Speaker Hon. Ċensu Galea and the Deputy Whips Hon. Deborah Schembri and Hon. Frederick Azzopardi, welcomed in the House representatives of the constituted bodies, civil society and the general public on 31 December.

1.1.2 Composition of Parliament

During the year under review the composition of the House changed twice:

 On 1 April former Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, submitted her resignation from Member of the House of Representatives. During the same sitting, the House unanimously approved a motion thanking Dr George Abela for his service as President of the Republic and also unanimously approved a motion on the nomination of Mrs Coleiro Preca as the next President of the Republic. The resignation of Hon. Coleiro Preca resulted in a vacancy in the Sixth Electoral District for which a casual election was held on 15 April. Notary Charles Mangion was elected in this election and took the oath as Member of the House of Representatives the following day, on 16 April.

 On 27 October Hon. Karmenu Vella submitted his resignation from Member of the House of Representatives in order to take up the position of European Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. This resignation resulted in a vacancy in the Fifth Electoral District for which a casual election was held on 6 November. Mr Joseph Farrugia was elected in this election and took the oath as Member of the House of Representatives on 10 November.

1.2 Legislative Programme

During 2014, 43 Acts were enacted by Parliament, 8 of which were principal Acts and 35 amendment Acts.

1.2.1 New legislation and objectives behind the following bills

Act IX of 2014 - Civil Unions Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are the introduction of the right of persons, whether of the same or of opposite sexes, to contract a civil union. The underlying principle of this Act is to equate civil unions with marriages, in terms of procedure and substance in a manner that guarantees equal rights to parties in a civil union as are granted to spouses in a marriage.

The equation approach should guarantee enjoyment of equal rights and obligations across all areas of law and social life.

Act XIX of 2014 - http://www.parlament.mt/file.aspx?f=45051Council of Europe Convention on Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Ratification) Act

The object of this Bill is to enable Malta to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, and for matters ancillary or relating thereto.

Act XX of 2014 - Youth Work Profession Act

The object of this Bill is to establish the Youth Work Profession Board, setting out its composition, functions and procedures for meetings, as well as to regulate the youth work profession, establishing codes of conduct and penalties for the infringement thereof.

Act XXVII of 2014 - Fiscal Responsibility Act

The objects of this Bill are to provide for a law on fiscal responsibility, for the establishment of a Fiscal Council, and for matters ancillary or related thereto.

Act XXVIII of 2014 - Continental Shelf Act

The main objective of this Bill is to bring the Continental Shelf Act (Cap. 194) in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and to replace the Act by a transitional arrangement.

Act XXXIV of 2014 - Enemalta (Transfer of Assets, Rights, Liabilities and Obligations) Act

The objects of this Bill are to make provision for the transfer of all the assets, rights, liabilities and obligations of Enemalta Corporation to Enemalta plc, to regulate the functions of distribution system operators, to repeal the Enemalta Act, and to make provision with respect to matters ancillary thereto or connected therewith.

Act XXXIX of 2014 - Appropriation (2015) Act

This Bill provides for the application of a sum not exceeding €2,539,983,333 for the service of the financial year 2015 to meet expenditure under the different Votes in the Schedule to this Bill.

Act XL of 2014 - Second (2014) Appropriation Act

This Bill provides for the application of a sum not exceeding €226,587,973 for the service of the Financial year 2014 to meet expenditure under the Votes specified in the First Schedule to the Bill in addition to €2,227,897,692 appropriated by Act XVI of 2013 and for the appropriation of a further €27 for the service of the financial year 2014 to repay an equivalent amount withdrawn from the Contingencies Fund during the financial year 2014 under the Votes specified in the Second Schedule to the Bill.

1.2.2 Amendment Acts and objectives behind the following amendment bills

Act I of 2014 - Criminal Code (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to make provision for the offences of female genital mutilation, forced sterilization and forced marriage.

Act II of 2014 - Criminal Code (Amendment No. 2) Act

The object of this Bill is to provide a provision relative to the forfeiture of parental authority over children.

Act III of 2014 - Criminal Code (Amendment No. 3) Act

The objects of this Bill are to amend the provisions of the Criminal Code regarding the exemption from criminal responsibility of minors under fourteen years of age and minors under sixteen years of age acting without mischievous discretion, and the provisions relating to moderation in correcting another person.

Act IV of 2014 - Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to provide for swifter procedures in cases of admissions of guilt, to transpose Directive 2010/64/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings, to transpose Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA, to transpose Directive 2012/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 May 2012 on the right to information in criminal proceedings, and, in the case of the amendments proposed in Part IV of the Bill, for the purpose of rendering the witness protection programme provided under the Police Act more effective.

Act V of 2014 - Criminal Code (Amendment No. 4) Act

The object of this Bill is to amend the Criminal Code providing for an increase in the punishment for the offences of vilification, threats or bodily harm against other public officers.

Act VI of 2014 - Consumer Affairs (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to amend the Consumer Affairs Act and to repeal the Trade Descriptions Act so that the transposition of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC) is completely in line with the same Directive.

Act VII of 2014 - Constitution of Malta and Various Electoral Laws (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are the alignment of articles 54(1)(f) and 58(b) of the Constitution of Malta for the avoidance of doubt and the making of various provisions in respect of voting by persons resident in hospitals or in residential homes.

Act VIII of 2014 - Communications Laws (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to amend three laws relating to the postal and electronic communications sectors both to improve the organization and management of the public authorities concerned and to provide for the implementation of developments in the sectors including Malta’s Community obligations.

Act X of 2014 - Constitution of Malta (Amendment) Act

The objects of the Bill are to amend the provision of protection from discrimination provided in article 45 of the Constitution of Malta, Chapter IV, Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual.

The amendment will introduce immediate protection from discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation thereby ensuring that no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect, nor any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority may cause a person to experience discriminatory treatment on the ground of sexual orientation. This is expected to provide protection from discrimination in different areas of law and in one’s various life experiences. Introducing protection within the Constitution further strengthens Parliament’s commitment in this area; a commitment that started with the introduction of protection from discrimination under the Employment and Industrial Relations Act, the Equality for Men and Women Act and subsidiary legislation made thereunder, as well as the criminal sanctioning of homophobic actions under the Criminal Code.

It is expected that this amendment will provide redress to victims of discrimination in other areas which do not at present include an obligation of equality on the ground of sexual orientation. These other areas will include for example health, education, personal integrity and personal life.

The amendment retains the State’s discretion to legislate and regulate areas related to matters of personal law and thereby does not provide for same sex marriages. The regulation of this area of law is one that relies heavily on deep-rooted social and cultural connotations, and revolves around the right to marry which is to date not established to include a right to same-sex marriages.

The amendment also brings the protection from discrimination contained in the Constitution in line with the protection contained in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and makes such protection justiciable, thereby empowering victims to seek redress.

Act XI of 2014 - Trusts and Trustees (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to reinforce the regulatory regime already in place for trusts and trustees as well as to clarify some of the provisions of the Trusts and Trustees Act which have given rise to misinterpretations.

Act XII of 2014 - Budget Measures Implementation Act

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

Act XIII of 2014 - Malta Armed Forces (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to delete any reference to recruitment below the age of 18 years.

Act XIV of 2014 - Airports and Civil Aviation (Security) (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to change the nomenclature of the Manager Airport Security to that of Head Aviation Security, for the purpose of better reflecting actual functions in the field of aviation security.

Act XV of 2014 - Identity Cards and Other Identity Documents (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are primarily to review a number of provisions within the Act in order to avoid discrimination against two categories of citizens: returning migrants whose use of the identity document as a travel document was being prohibited for the first six months of residence (whereas this did not apply in all other cases) and citizens who are not in a position to register their Act of Birth at the Public Registry (and consequently cannot apply for an Identity document because the identity document number was exclusively linked to the Public Registry Number). One additional amendment clarifies that the address to be recorded in the identity document shall be located in the Maltese Islands.

Act XVI of 2014 - Local Councils (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to provide the right to vote as from the 2015 elections of the Local Councils and Administrative Committees of Communities to those persons that have attained the age of sixteen years.

Act XVII of 2014 - General Elections (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to make provision for the registration of voters who are persons that have attained the age of sixteen years.

Act XVIII of 2014 - Equality for Men and Women (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to substitute article 19(2) of the Equality for Men and Women Act regarding the burden of proof in civil proceedings, with a view to transposing article 19 of Directive 2006/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation (recast).

Act XXI of 2014 - Marriage (Amendment) Act

The objects of this Bill are to update the Marriage Act in view of the Third Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the Holy See and Malta on the Recognition of Civil Effects to Canonical Marriages and to the Decisions of the Ecclesiastical Authorities and Tribunals about the Same Marriages, signed between the Holy See and the Republic of Malta.

Act XXII of 2014 - Investment Services (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to transpose certain provisions of Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing Directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC.

Act XXIII of 2014 - Commissioner for Revenue (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to set up the Remission of Interest Board for the purpose of making recommendations to the Commissioner with regard to any application made by any person under any regulations as may be made from time to time under the revenue acts and providing for the remission of any amount due to a revenue department under the revenue acts. The Bill also provides for the composition of such Board and the tenure of office of members thereof.

Act XXIV of 2014 - Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment No. 2)

The objects of this Bill are to implement the provisions of Council Framework Decision 2008/675/JHA on taking account of convictions in Member States of the European Union in the course of new criminal proceedings, to implement the provisions of Council Framework Decision 2008/841/JHA on the fight against organised crime, to implement Council Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping-up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime.

Furthermore, amendments of various laws are also being introduced to allow the prosecution to classify the gravity of certain offences and determine the court in which the persons accused of those offences are to be tried for the purpose of providing guidelines on the manner of such classification, for providing opportunity to the accused to seek judicial review of such classification and for providing for a power of the court to apply a lesser scale of punishments notwithstanding such classification. The Bill also makes amendments to the Conduct Certificates Ordinance for the purposes of making provision in respect of the circumstances in which a Form C declaration may be sought and for providing for certain first offences.

Act XXV of 2014 - Civil Code (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to provide for the Register for Civil Unions, to provide for the power of the Minister responsible for the Public Registry to make regulations in order to add new forms or to amend or to modify any of the forms found in Part II of the First Schedule to the Code and to add new Form KK.

Act XXVI of 2014 - Interpretation (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill consist of the amendment of various laws which provide for a negative resolution procedure for the revocation or amendment of subsidiary legislation for the purpose of allowing more flexibility in the Parliamentary calendar with regard to the discussion and voting on motions to impugn subsidiary legislation.

Act XXIX of 2014 - Territorial Waters and Contiguous Zone (Amendment) Act

The main objective of these amendments is to bring the Territorial Waters and Contiguous Zone Act (Cap. 226) in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Act XXX of 2014 - Patents and Designs (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to provide for the introduction of a schedule of inventions which may be protected in Malta either under the Patent Co-operation Treaty or the European Patent Convention, for the setting up of a Patents Tribunal, the composition and functions thereof, as well as for the possibility of applying for a revocation of a patent and priority claims before the Comptroller.

Act XXXI of 2014 - Criminal Code (Amendment No. 5) Act

The objects of this Bill are to insert in the Criminal Code harsher penalties on persons found guilty of abuse or violence on elderly and vulnerable people.

Act XXXII of 2014 - Broadcasting (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to ensure that freedom to broadcast and receive broadcasts and freedom of reception and retransmission are safeguarded in line with the provisions of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (Directive 2010/13/EU).

Act XXXIII of 2014 - Children and Young Persons (Care Orders) (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to provide a mechanism for review of care orders on the request of the parent or the guardian of the child or young person.

Act XXXV of 2014 - Animal Welfare (Amendment) Act

The main objects and reasons of this Bill are to provide for the establishment of the office of Director for Animal Welfare, to provide for the new composition of the Animal Welfare Council, to provide for the appointment of the Commissioner for Animal Welfare and to designate powers thereto, to provide for a prohibition on the use of animals in circuses, to strengthen enforcement powers and better define the powers of animal welfare officers which are not specifically mentioned in the principal Act, and to review fines for offences committed under the principal Act or regulations made thereunder.

Act XXXVI of 2014 - Social Security (Amendment) Act

The objects of this Bill are to streamline the provisions of the Social Security Act relating to pension age and third pension in line with the provisions of the Special Funds (Regulation) Act and the Retirement Pensions Act.

Act XXXVII of 2014 - Income Tax (Amendment) Act

The objects of this Bill are to update the Income Tax Act by the introduction of provisions relating to investment income from retirement schemes.

Act XXXVIII of 2014 – Probation (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to amend article 21 of the Probation Act by extending the provisions thereof to include also the Criminal Court and the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Act XLI of 2014 - Lotteries and Other Games (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to amend the nomenclature of the Authority established by the Lotteries and Other Games Act, Cap. 438 of the Laws of Malta, from Lotteries and Gaming Authority to Malta Gaming Authority.

Act XLII of 2014 - Local Loans (Registered Stock and Securities) Ordinance (Amendment) Act

The object of this Bill is to enable the Minister for finance to raise money by way of loan for the purpose of providing financial support to credit institutions in the context of a financial crisis in view of preserving financial stability in terms of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 15 May 2014 establishing a framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms and the Communication from the Commission on the application, from 1 August 2013, of State aid rules to support measures in favour of banks in the context of the financial crisis (‘Banking Communication’) (2013/C 216/01).

Act XLIII of 2014 - Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act

The objects and reasons of this Bill are to enable the recovery of input tax attributed to supplies taxed outside Malta, but treated as exempt without credit supplies in Malta.

1.3 Parliamentary Questions

6,684 parliamentary questions were submitted in 2014. 6,476 questions, requiring an oral reply, were raised and answered, whereas out of 208 parliamentary questions requiring a written reply, 157 were answered in 2014.

1.4 Ministerial Statements

The following 10 ministerial statements were delivered in the House during 2014:

Sitting No. 106 – 13 January Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, on the European Council held on 19 and 20 December 2013

Sitting No. 119 – 12 February Statement by the Minister for Energy and the Conservation of Water, Hon. Konrad Mizzi, on the situation at Enemalta Corporation in connection with the theft of electricity

Sitting No. 124 – 25 February Statement by the Minister for Energy and the Conservation of Water, and Sitting No. 125 - 26 Hon. Konrad Mizzi, on an update in connection with the theft of February electricity

Sitting No. 128 – 11 March Statement by the Minister for Energy and the Conservation of Water, Hon. Konrad Mizzi, on the Shanghai Electric Power investment in Enemalta

Sitting No. 134 – 26 March Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, on the European Council held on 20 and 21 March

Sitting No. 169 – 30 June Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, on the European Council held on 26 and 27 June

Sitting No. 174 – 9 July Statement by the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Hon. Emanuel Mallia, on reforms in the Police Corps

Sitting No. 175 – 14 July Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, on his visit to China and on the Memorandum of Understanding on medium-term cooperation concluded between the Maltese and Chinese Governments

Sitting No. 184 – 25 July Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, on reports in the media about a Maltese citizen abducted in Libya

Sitting No. 195 – 4 November Statement by the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, on the European Council held on 23 and 24 October and on his visit to Singapore between 29 and 31 October.

1.5 Petitions

Two petitions were presented to Parliament during the year under review.

Sitting No. 114- 29 January Petition presented by Hon. Simon Busuttil, Leader of the Opposition, on behalf of a number of Maltese citizens residing in the states of Victoria and New South Wales in Australia, requesting the Maltese Government to review the Citizenship by Investment Programme.

Sitting No. 157 – 3 June Petition presented by Hon. Michael Falzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of Administrative Processes, signed by 104,293 Maltese citizens asking the Maltese Parliament to amend the Referenda Act by adding a proviso so that no law (as defined in Article 13(3) of the Referenda Act) affecting interests or rights or privileges of a minority within Maltese society can be repealed by a referendum under the Referenda Act.

1.6 Motions

The Office of the Clerk received 113 motions during the year under review, 58 of which were for first readings of bills. Out of the total number of motions presented, 15 motions were private Members’ motions of which four motions were private Members’ bills.

The 15 private Members’ motions received were the following:

Motion No. 93 Motion for the repeal of Legal Notice 450 of 2013 on the Individual Investor Programme presented by Hon. Jason Azzopardi

Motion No. 108 Motion to amend the English version of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives relating to the Standing Committee on Health presented by Hon. Claudio Grech

Motion No. 115 Motion for the repeal of Legal Notice 47 of 2014 on the Individual Investor Programme presented by Hon. Jason Azzopardi

Motion No. 122 Motion for the repeal of Legal Notice 76 of 2014 on data concerning persons in educational institutions presented by Hon. Joseph Cassar, Hon. Paula Mifsud Bonnici and Hon. Claudette Buttigieg

Motion No. 124 Motion to protect Ta' Ħaġrat Temples presented by Hon. Ryan Callus

Motion No. 125 Constitution (Amendment) Bill presented by Hon. Stephen Spiteri and Hon. Mario de Marco

Motion No. 134 Constitution (Amendment) Bill presented by Hon. Kristy Debono, Hon. Claudette Buttigieg and Hon. Mario de Marco

Motion No. 136 Motion for patients to be treated according to the regulations on cross-border healthcare by local private providers presented by Hon. Mario de Marco and Hon. Claudio Grech

Motion No. 149 Healthy Lifestyle Bill presented by Hon. Robert Cutajar and Hon. Mario de Marco

Motion No. 153 Motion on the investigation by the Ombudsman of complaints raised by Armed Forces of Malta officers presented by Hon. Mario de Marco and Hon. Jason Azzopardi

Motion No. 160 Motion to discuss the present diplomatic relations in the current political situation between Malta and Libya presented by Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and Hon. David Agius

Motion No. 164 Motion to discuss the latest developments on the promise of the Prime Minister Hon. Joseph Muscat to build a power station by March 2015 presented by Hon. Mario de Marco and Hon. George Pullicino

Motion No. 174 Motion calling for the publication of two police inquiries reports presented by Hon. Mario de Marco and Hon. Jason Azzopardi

Motion No. 191 Motion of no confidence in the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security presented by Hon. Mario de Marco and Hon. Jason Azzopardi

Motion No. 193 Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) (Amendment) Bill presented by Hon. Stephen Spiteri and Hon. David Agius.

A number of other important motions were presented to the House during the year under review, including:

 a number of motions for the approval of the financial estimates of government entities and corporations for the year 2014;  a number of motions concerning the parliamentary approval of the financial estimates for 2015;  a motion to amend the Standing Orders of the House to enable the setting up of a Standing Committee on Health;

 a motion of appreciation towards Dr George Abela at the end of his term of office as President of the Republic and a motion on the appointment of Mrs Marie Louise Coleiro Preca as the next President of the Republic; and  a motion recommending that the second Sunday in October be recognised on a national level as ‘Grandparents’ Day’.

1.7 Papers Laid on the Table of the House

In 2014, a total of 2,187 documents were laid on the Table of the House. The majority of the documents were replies given to parliamentary questions submitted by Members of Parliament to the various Ministers, legal notices and annual reports and financial statements of government entities and corporations.

A number of documents were tabled by the Speaker. These documents included reports received from the Office of the Ombudsman and the National Audit Office, reports prepared by Members of Parliament following their participation in meetings abroad, the Annual Report for 2013 of the House of Representatives, a report by the Speaker on the administrative autonomy of the Parliament of Malta and replies to parliamentary questions submitted to the Speaker.

1.8 Rulings

In 2014, 24 rulings by the Chair on issues raised during debates in plenary as well as during committee meetings were given as follows:

Sitting No. 111 – 22 January Ruling delivered by the Deputy Speaker on a point of order raised by Hon. Joe Mizzi, regarding remarks made by Hon. George Pullicino

Sitting No. 113 – 28 January Ruling delivered by the Speaker regarding motion calling for the removal of a judge

Sitting No. 115 – 3 February Ruling delivered by the Speaker on witnesses before the Public Accounts Committee

Sitting No. 116 – 4 February Ruling delivered by the Speaker on the convening of committee meetings

Sitting No. 125 – 26 February Ruling delivered by the Deputy Speaker on a point of order raised by Hon. Tonio Fenech against the Minister for Energy and Health Hon. Konrad Mizzi, in respect of Standing Order 60 - Attributing of bad motives

Sitting No. 128 – 11 March Ruling delivered by the Speaker on evidence given by the Attorney General before parliamentary committees

Sitting No. 130 – 17 March Ruling delivered by the Speaker on the agenda of the Environment and Development Planning Committee

Sitting No. 144 – 5 May Ruling delivered by the Speaker on a point raised by Hon. Mario de Marco relating to remarks made by the Minister for Gozo, Hon. Anton Refalo

Sitting No. 150 – 19 May Ruling delivered by the Speaker on the right of committees to request the production of documents

Sitting No. 166 – 23 June Ruling delivered by the Speaker following the request by the Leader of the Opposition for the adjournment of the House in terms of Standing Order 13 concerning legal proceedings in connection with complaints submitted to the Ombudsman by members of the Armed Forces

Sitting No. 178 – 16 July Ruling delivered by the Speaker on the request by Hon. George Pullicino for documents (Enemalta agreements) to be laid on the Table of the House

Sitting No. 178 – 16 July Ruling delivered by the Speaker on the request by Hon. David Agius on the application of Standing Order 8(2) – Days of meeting

Sitting No. 179 – 17 July Ruling delivered by the Speaker on the request by Hon. David Agius on the application of Standing Order 8(2) – Days of meeting Sitting No. 188 – 20 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker on the interpretation of Standing Order 173 in view of the request by the Opposition for the filming and transmission of the Sitting of 20 October 2014 (Motion on the building of a power station)

Sitting No. 188 – 20 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker on a request by Hon. David Agius for the tabling of documents during debate

Sitting No. 189 – 21 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker concerning allegations by Hon. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Energy and Health, in respect of Hon. George Pullicino

Sitting No. 190 – 22 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker concerning the enforcement or otherwise of the ruling given in Sitting 189 of 21 October 2014 with regard to the complaint raised by Hon. George Pullicino against Hon. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Energy and Health

Sitting No. 191 – 27 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker concerning a complaint raised by Hon. George Pullicino against a One News journalist for reasons of alleged harassment as Hon. Pullicino was leaving the Palace

Sitting No. 191 – 27 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker concerning a complaint raised by Hon. Marthese Portelli in respect of the reply received to PQ 11113 by Hon. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Energy and Health

Sitting No. 191 – 27 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker concerning a complaint raised by Hon. Carmelo Abela in respect of articles appearing in the newspaper MaltaToday and on the website www.maltarightnow.com

Sitting No. 192 – 28 October Ruling delivered by the Speaker on an alleged breach of privilege raised by Hon. Jason Azzopardi concerning replies to parliamentary questions submitted to Hon. Emanuel Mallia, Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Sitting No. 194 – 3 November Ruling delivered by the Speaker on a complaint raised by Hon. Ċensu Galea in respect of an article appearing in the newspaper l-orizzont

Sitting No. 196 – 5 November Ruling delivered by the Speaker on whether the Government spokesperson can pose supplementary questions to Ministers

Sitting No. 206 – 26 November Ruling delivered by the Speaker on reports in the media and on photos taken from the Strangers’ Gallery.

1.9 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 respective parliamentary group, especially when votes are taken and when divisions are called.

Whips are also responsible for keeping Members in their respective parliamentary group informed 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.

At the end of 2014 Hon. Carmelo Abela served as Government Whip whilst Hon. David Agius as Opposition Whip.

Hon. Carmelo Abela Hon. David Agius Government Whip Opposition Whip

1.10 Leader of the House

The Leader of the House is defined in the Standing Orders 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 and the Opposition Whips during the meetings of the House Business Committee, presided by the Speaker of the House.

Throughout 2014, the role of the Leader of the House was occupied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, Hon. Louis Grech.

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 slant to various issues 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 audio and video streamed, the latter as from 2012, 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.

In 2014, the Standing Orders of the House provided for the setting up of nine 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 the Consideration of Bills  Standing Committee on Family Affairs  Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs  Standing Committee on Health.

The most recently set up committee, the Standing Committee on Health, was set up following a private members’ motion calling for the setting up of a standing committee on health presented by Hon. Claudio Grech on 18 November 2013. This motion was discussed on 5 February 2014, seconded by the Minister for Health, Hon. Godfrey Farrugia, amended and consequently agreed to unanimously. The Standing Committee on Health was subsequently set up following Motion No. 106 presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs and Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, Hon. Louis Grech, and approved in Sitting 129 on 12 March.

The Environment and Development Planning Act, Cap. 504, and the Auditor General and National Audit Office Act, Cap. 396, provide for the setting up of two further standing committees as follows:

 Standing Committee on Environment and Development Planning; and  National Audit Office Accounts Committee.

2.1 Standing Committee on House Business

The Standing Committee on House Business was set up by way of Motion No. 18 approved on 22 April 2013 and its composition amended by way of Motion No. 40 presented on 28 May 2013, and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members Hon. Carmelo Abela Hon. David Agius Hon. Mario de Marco Hon. Louis Grech Hon. Deborah Schembri Hon. Anġlu Farrugia

‘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.’

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 House Busines Committee is also responsible to discuss the plan of the Office of the Ombudsman for the following year, the Ombudsplan, at which sitting the Ombudsman explains the plan.

The Standing Committee on House Business was convened 12 times in 2014.

Besides procedural House business, the Committee also discussed the following:

 matters connected with the migration to the new Parliament building;  the permanent exhibition on the Maltese parliamentary and constitutional history which will be set up by the Parliament of Malta Foundation and Bank of Valletta plc;  contacts with local TV service providers to launch a parliamentary TV channel and relevant changes required to the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives and video streaming guidelines;  the Ombudsplan 2015;  the setting up of an informal group of Members of Parliament discussing issues related to the problem of diabetes;  the motion for the removal of Judge Carm Lino Farrugia Sacco;  a request by Hon. Jason Azzopardi to refer a number of reports by the Complaints Board of the Armed Forces of Malta to the Ombudsman;  the launching of an online mechanism for the submission of petitions to Parliament; and  the report drawn up by an internal commission on the administrative autonomy of the Parliament of Malta.

2.2 Standing Committee on Privileges

The Standing Committee on Privileges was set up by way of Motion No. 19 approved on 22 April 2013, and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members Hon. Simon Busuttil Hon. Carmelo Abela Hon. David Agius Hon. Louis Grech Hon. Deborah Schembri Hon. Anġlu Farrugia

‘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.’

2.2.1 Breach of privilege complaint raised by the Prime Minister against the Leader of the Opposition

The Standing Committee on Privileges met six times in 2014 to discuss the breach of privilege raised by the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, against the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Simon Busuttil, during Sitting No. 55 of 30 September 2013. On 1 October 2013 the Speaker had ruled that there was a prima facie breach of privilege and that the case should be considered by the Standing Committee on Privileges.

The Committee first established the procedure it would follow in the consideration of the case referred to it. The Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, who raised the allegation of a breach of privilege by the Leader of the Opposition, gave his statement to the Committee. Once the Government side did not have any more witnesses to put forward, the Opposition presented the list of witnesses it wished to call before the Committee. Until the end of the year, former Police Commissioner John Rizzo, former Assistant Commissioner Michael Cassar and former Assistant Commissioner Joseph Cachia appeared before the Committee to answer questions put to them.

The case will continue to be considered in 2015.

2.2.2 Breach of privilege complaint raised by Hon. George Pullicino against the Minister for Energy and Health

On 22 October the Speaker ruled that Hon. Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Energy and Health, was prima facie guilty of a breach of privilege against Hon. George Pullicino, who raised the complaint during the sitting of 20 October. The case was referred to the Standing Committee on Privileges for its consideration.

By the end of the year the Committee had not yet started considering this case.

2.3 Standing Committee on Public Accounts

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts was set up by Motion No. 17 approved on 16 April 2013 and amended by way of Motion 129 presented on 7 May 2014, and in December 2014 was composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Tonio Fenech

Members Hon. Chris Agius Hon. Owen Bonnici

Hon. Joe Farrugia Hon. Mario de Marco Hon. Claudio Grech Hon. Charles Mangion Hon. Tonio Fenech

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is chaired by a member nominated by the Opposition, following the UK House of Commons model.

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 articles 103(3) and 104 of the Constitution;

(c) examine the accounts of statutory authorities, including parastatal organisations, whose accounts are presented to Parliament;

(d) request the Auditor General 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 Auditor General, 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 Auditor General;

(g) report to the House on any accounts, reports or documents referred in the previous paragraphs hereof; and

(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 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.

(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.’

Since in August 2013 the Committee Chairman Hon. Tonio Fenech and Members Hon. Claudio Grech and Hon. Konrad Mizzi had been indicated as possible witnesses to appear before the Committee when discussing the report of the National Audit Office entitled An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement, the composition and the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee when discussing this issue was changed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Jason Azzopardi

Members Hon. Chris Agius Hon. Owen Bonnici Hon. Luciano Busuttil

Hon. Justyne Caruana Hon. Kristy Debono Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami Hon. Jason Azzopardi

In 2014 the Committee met 13 times in this formation to discuss the report hearing a total of seven witnesses. Another four witnesses were summoned but have filed a case before the Constitutional

Court claiming that they have a right to remain silent and could not give evidence before the Committee. A decision by the Constitutional Court was still pending at the end of the year.

In 2014, the Public Accounts Committee, in either formation, met a total of 24 times and discussed the subjects shown herunder:

13 January Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

15 January Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

27 January Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979

5 February Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

12 February Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979 (Continuation)

19 February Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

24 February Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979 (Continuation)

10 March Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979 (Continuation)

12 March Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

14 May Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979 (Continuation)

28 May Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979 (Continuation)

17 June Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979 (Continuation)

1 July Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

7 July Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

14 July Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

15 July Examination of the contract signed between the Commissioner of Lands and Malta Shipbuilding dated 20 August 1979 and the examination of the contract signed between Malta Shipbuilding and the Malta Labour Party on 22 August 1979 (Continuation)

25 July Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

5 November Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

10 November Report by the Auditor General: Public Accounts 2012 – Malta Tourism Authority Operative and Marketing Expenditure

19 November Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

26 November Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

2 December Report by the National Audit Office – An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Enemalta Corporation’s Fuel Procurement (Continuation)

9 December Report by the Auditor General: Public Accounts 2012 – Social Security Department – Overpayment of Social Security Benefits (Continuation)

15 December Joint meeting with the Foreign and European Affairs Committee and the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee on the Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors on the Budget for the Financial Year 2013 and on the work of the Maltese Member in this Court.

2.4 Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs

The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs was set up by Motion No. 20 approved on 22 April 2013 and its composition, amended by way of Motion No. 41 presented on 28 May 2013 and by Motion 126 presented on 7 May 2014, is as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Luciano Busuttil

Members Hon. Frederick Azzopardi Hon. Toni Bezzina Hon. Marlene Farrugia Hon. Tonio Fenech Hon. Franco Mercieca Hon. Joseph M. Sammut Hon. Luciano Busuttil Hon. George Vella Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

‘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:

(a) 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;

(b) 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:

(i) any proposals under the Community treaties for legislation by the Council or the Council acting jointly with the European Parliament;

(ii) any document which is published for submission to the European Council, the Council or the European Central Bank;

(ii) 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;

(iii) 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;

(iv) any document (not falling within (ii), (iii) or (iv) above) which is published by one Union institution and which does not relate exclusively to the consideration of any proposal for legislation; and

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

Throughout 2014, the Foreign and European Affairs Committee met 10 times in plenary. Details of the meetings held in 2014 are as follows:

14 January Discussion in terms of Article 4 (2) of the European Union Act on government’s proposal to ratify an interim agreement with a view to an Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Community and its Member States, of the one part, and the Central Africa Party, of the other part (Republic of Cameroon);

Presentation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. George Vella on:

(i) the ASEM (EU-Asia) Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in Delhi in November 2013 (ii) the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Colombo in November 2013 (iii) the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the OSCE held in Ukraine in November 2013 (iv) the EU Summit held in Vilnius in November 2013 (v) the European Council held in Brussels in December 2013 (vi) the agenda of the January 2014 European Council (vii) the EU Enlargement Policy

30 January Meeting with Mr Maroš Šefčovič, Vice President of the European Commission

25 February Discussion in terms of Article 4 (2) of the European Union Act on the Government’s proposal to ratify the:

(i) Arms Trade Treaty (ii) 11th EDF (European Development Fund) Internal Agreement 2014-2020 (iii) Trade Agreement between the European Union and Colombia and Peru

Presentation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. George Vella, on the European Council held in Brussels on 10 February 2014

18 March Presentation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. George Vella, on the current situation in Ukraine

Discussion in terms of Article 4 (2) of the European Union Act on the

Government’s proposal to ratify the Co-operation Agreement on Satellite Navigation between the European Union and its Member States and the Kingdom of Norway

21 May Discussion in terms of Article 4 (2) of the European Union Act on the Agreement on Trade, Development and Cooperation between the European Community and its Member States and the Republic of South Africa

Discussion on the report for the period March-December 2013 of the Council for Maltese Living Abroad in terms of sub-article (2) of article 7 of the Council for Maltese Living Abroad Act

18 June Discussion in terms of Article 4 (2) of the European Union Act on the Joint Procurement Agreement to procure medical countermeasures pursuant to Decision 1082/2013/EU

Consideration of correspondence dated:

(i) 29 April 2014 from the House of Commons regarding Article 5 of Protocol 2 of the Lisbon Treaty requiring the Commission to provide a detailed statement in the draft legislative act itself justifying compliance with the subsidiarity principle (ii) 2 June 2014 from the Dutch Parliament on the role of National Parliaments regarding free trade agreements between the EU and third countries (iii) 3 June 2014 from the Dutch Parliament on the ‘yellow card’ procedure in operation regarding breaches of the subsidiarity principle with particular reference to the proposal for the setting up of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

9 July Presentation by HE Giovanni Umberto de Vito, Ambassador of Italy for Malta, on the Italian priorities for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

21 July Discussion in terms of Article 4 (2) of the European Union Act on Government’s proposal to ratify the following agreements:

(i) Euro-Mediterranean Aviation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, and the Government of the State of Israel (ii) association agreements between the European Union and Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine signed on 27 June 2014

10 October Meeting with Mr Miroslav Lajčák, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Slovakia

15 December Joint meeting with the Public Accounts Committee and the Economic and Financial Affairs Committee on the Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors on the Budget for the Financial Year 2013 and on the work of the Maltese Member in this Court.

2.4.1 Subsidiarity and political dialogue with the European Commission

During 2014, the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs also considered 64 EU legislative proposals in the context of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as laid down in Protocol 2 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. All documents were deemed to

comply with the principles of subidiarity and proportionality and no reasoned opinions were adopted by Parliament in 2014.

The Foreign and European Affairs Committee also decided to send its comments to the European Commission in the context of the political dialogue framework with regard to the following two legislative proposals:

(i) Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union legal framework for customs infringements and sanctions (COM (2013) 884); and

(ii) Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directives 2008/98/EC on waste, 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste, 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, 2000/53/EC on end-of-life vehicles, 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators, and 2012/19/EU on waste electrical and electronic equipment (COM (2014) 397).

2.4.2 Informal Meetings

In 2014, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs also had the following meetings:

15 January Meeting with HE Leonidas Markides, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus

21 October Meeting with HE Oren David, Ambassador of Israel

20 November Meeting with HE Josep Maria Pons Irazazabal, Ambassador of Spain.

2.4.3 Sub-Committees

In accordance with paragraph 3 of Standing Order 120F, the Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs set up three working groups to assist it in its work. The composition and competencies are as follows:

Working Group 1

Chairperson Hon. Luciano Busuttil

Members Hon. Deo Debattista Hon. Marlene Farrugia Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

Hon. Luciano Busuttil

The objective of this Working Group is to analyse legislative proposals with regard to the principle of subsidiarity and also 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 further debate either in the plenary of the Foreign

34 and European Affairs Committee, or in one of the following working groups, or to other standing committees:

(i) Working Group 2 with regard to areas concerning home affairs, justice, education, youth, culture and sport, presided by Hon. Marlene Farrugia with the other members appointed according to the matter to be discussed;

(ii) Working Group 3 with regard to areas concerning competitiveness (i.e. single market, industry, research and space), transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, fisheries and environment, presided by Hon. Luciano Busuttil with the other members appointed according to the matter to be discussed;

(iii) The Standing Committee on Social Affairs with regard to areas concerning employment, social policy, health and consumer affairs; and

(iv) The Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs with regard to areas concerning economic and financial affairs.

2.4.4 Meetings of the Working Groups

During 2014, Working Group 1 met six times and besides considering legislative proposals for subsidiarity purposes, it also considered 455 legislative and non-legislative proposals, including reports, staff working documents and Green and White Papers.

2.5 Standing Committee on Social Affairs

The Standing Committee on Social Affairs, set up by Motion No. 21 approved on 22 April 2013 and its composition amended by way of Motion No. 43 approved on 3 June 2013 and Motion No. 128 approved on 7 May 2014, is as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Deborah Schembri

Members Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis Hon. Claudette Buttigieg Hon. Robert Cutajar Hon. Godfrey Farrugia Hon. Silvio Parnis Hon. Marthese Portelli Hon. Deborah Schembri

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 held 18 meetings throughout 2014, during which various subjects of a social nature were discussed.

In addition to the formal Social Affairs Committee appointed in terms of Motion No. 21, the House Business Committee, in its meeting of 17 October 2013, agreed on the terms of reference and the composition of the Social Affairs Committee when it meets to discuss the subject of illegal immigration. In such instances, it is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Deborah Schembri

Members Hon. Jason Azzopardi Hon. Claudette Buttigieg Hon. Michael Falzon Hon. Marlene Farrugia Hon. Chris Fearne Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici Hon. Deborah Schembri

In terms of the agreement reached in the House Business Committee, the Social Affairs Committee (Illegal Immigration) is to discuss:

 the problem of illegal immigration in Malta in the context of national security including how these immigrants reach Malta, the responsibilities of the Maltese authorities on their responsibilities in the Maltese search and rescue area and the network of organised crime which leads these immigrants to Malta;  the detention policy in Malta including the conditions in the detention centres and in the open centres, and how these can be improved in order to offer the immigrants better treatment;  guarantees that ensure that the protection is given as soon as possible to those who have the right to it;  the repatriation of persons not entitled to protection and who have entered Malta illegally; and  measures that ensure greater solidarity by the Member States of the European Union both in terms of financial assistance and relocation of migrants.

During 2014, the Committee was convened 15 times in its principal formation. The subjects that were dealt with by the committee are the following:

28 January Domestic violence – Discussion with Police Commissioner Mr Peter Paul Zammit

5 February Approval of the members of the Guardianship Board

12 February Discussion on the Green Paper against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014-2024

18 February Discussion on the Green Paper against Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014-2024 (Continuation)

12 March Domestic violence – Discussion with Dr Anthony Livori, Principal General Practitioner, Primary Health Care

17 March Drug abuse in Malta – Discussion with Dr Mario Mifsud

9 April Domestic violence – Discussion with Dr Malcolm Mifsud, Legal Aid Office

16 April Discussion on the Commission on Domestic Violence Annual Report (March 2013 – February 2014) (Continuation)

25 June Discussion on the report being prepared by the Social Affairs Committee on domestic violence

16 July Discussion on sports and obesity

Discussion on organ donation

22 July Approval of the members of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector

12 November Joint meeting with the Health Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation

Discussion with Ophtalmologist Hon. Franco Mercieca and with Transplant Support Group Malta

19 November Joint meeting with the Health Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation (Continuation)

26 November Joint meeting with the Health Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation (Continuation)

17 December Joint meeting with the Health Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation (Continuation).

In the formation dealing with illegal immigration issues, the Committee met three times as follows:

25 March Discussion on the situation in detention and open centres in Malta

14 April Detention Policy in Malta – Discussion with Mr Joseph St John from the Ministry for Home Affairs

Discussion with Mr Mario Friggieri, Commissioner for Refugees

4 November Child Protection Act (Out of Home Care) 2014 – Presentation by Mr Alex Tortell, Director of the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS)

Briefing by the Chairperson of the Social Affairs Committee on the meeting that she, together with the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and the Chairman of the Consideration of Bills Committee, had with the UN Sub- Committee on the Prevention of Torture on 9 October

Briefing by the Chairperson of the Social Affairs Committee on her participation in the Meeting of Chairpersons of the Committees on Fundamental Rights organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union which took place in Rome on 13 and 14 October.

The Committee also held three informal meetings as follows:

12 February Show-round of the living quarters of the immigrants’ residence at the Lyster Barracks by Mr Mario Schembri, Head, Operations, and by staff of the Detention Services

Show-round of the Ħal Far Tent Village Open Centre by Mr Alex Tortell, Director, AWAS

5 May Presentation by Mount Carmel Hospital CEO Dr Clifton Grima on the detention and treatment at Mount Carmel Hospital of illegal immigrants suffering from mental health problems.

2.6 Standing Committee on Family Affairs

The Standing Committee on Family Affairs was set up by Motion No. 23 approved on 22 April 2013 and is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis

Members Hon. Joe Cassar Hon. Etienne Grech Hon. Paula Mifsud Bonnici Hon. Deborah Schembri

Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis

The principal task of the Committee on Family Affairs is to discuss matters and legislation related to family affairs. The work of the Committee is regulated by Standing Order 120H:

‘120H. (1) The Standing Committee on Family Affairs shall deal with all matters relating to the family, including the appraisal, analysis and monitoring of current and future family legislation and policies, and such other matters relating to the family as may be referred to it by the House or by the Standing Committee on House Business.

(2) The Standing Committee on Family Affairs shall consist of five members, three of whom shall be appointed from the Government side, one of whom shall be nominated as Chairman and two from the Opposition side; a majority of all the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum.

(3) The provisions of paragraph (3) of Standing Order 120E shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the Standing Committee on Family Affairs.’

The Standing Committee on Family Affairs met three times in 2014 as follows:

24 March Discussion with Dr Manwel Schembri on marriage in the Canon Law and in the Civil Law

3 June Presentation by Dr Ruth Farrugia, Chairperson, National Commission for Child Policy and Strategy, on the draft Child Protection Act

9 December Discussion with Fr Charles Tabone on the role of the family in the Maltese society today.

2.7 Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs

The Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, appointed by Motion No. 25 presented on 23 April 2013 and its composition amended by way of Motion No. 47 presented on 11 June 2013, is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Silvio Schembri

Members Hon. Charles Buhagiar Hon. Mario de Marco Hon. Kristy Debono Hon. Michael Falzon Hon. Tonio Fenech Hon. Edward Scicluna

Hon. Silvio Schembri

The work of the Committee is regulated by Standing Order 120I:

‘120I. (1) The Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs shall:

(a) on its own initiative, consider from an economic and financial perspective, any decision, recommendation or report published locally, by the European Institutions or by international organisations, that could have an impact on the Maltese economy;

(b) request persons appointed by the Government of Malta to represent it on the governing and administrative organs of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), as provided for in article 7 of the Participation and Granting of Financial Stability Support under the European Stability Mechanism Act, to appear before the Committee for the purpose of rendering account of the workings of the ESM and of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF);

(c) request the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta to appear before the Committee as provided for in article 8(6) of the Central Bank of Malta Act;

(d) consider every matter or report that may be referred to it by the House or the Standing Committee on House Business; and

(e) consider every matter or report that may be referred to it by a committee of the House.

(2) The Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs shall be constituted of not more than seven members, where four members shall constitute a quorum. The members should be chosen 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.

(3) One of the members nominated by the Government shall be appointed as Chairman of the Committee.

(4) The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of Standing Order 120B shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs.’

The Standing Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs met five times in 2014 as follows:

15 January Conclusions by the Central Bank of Malta on lending rates by banks in Malta

5 May Abuse in free movement of goods

12 May Presentation by Prof. Josef Bonnici, Central Bank of Malta Governor, on the

Central Bank of Malta Annual Report 2013: Recent Economic Developments and Structural Considerations

2 June Presentation by Mr Alfred Camilleri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Finance, on the Mechanism of the European Financial Stability Facility in terms of Cap. 523 of the Laws of Malta, on Participation and Granting of Financial Stability Support under the European Stability Mechanism Act

15 December Joint meeting with the Foreign and European Affairs Committee and the Public Accounts Committee on the Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors on the Budget for the Financial Year 2013 and the work of the Maltese Member in this Court.

2.8 Standing Committee on Health

This Committee was set up following the unanimous approval in the House of a private member’s motion presented by Opposition Member Hon. Claudio Grech on 18 November 2013. The Standing Committee on Health, appointed by Motion No. 106 approved on 12 March 2014 and its composition as amended by way of Motion No. 127 presented on 7 May 2014, is as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Etienne Grech

Members Hon. Chris Fearne Hon. Deo Debattista Hon. Claudio Grech Hon. Michael Gonzi

Hon. Etienne Grech The work of the Committee is regulated by Standing Order 120J:

‘120J. (1) The Standing Committee on Health shall have the power to:

(a) on its own initiative, discuss policies and matters in the health sector which have strategic importance and are of material interest to patients, and report thereon to the House;

(b) evaluate all reports, strategic plans, task plans as well as all policies referred to it by the House, by the Minister or by any other Standing Committee;

(c) evaluate matters and items relating to capital and recurrent expenditure of such departments, statutory authorities and public organizations which operate in the public health sector;

(d) evaluate matters and issues relating to public health and the rights of the patient;

(e) discuss and analyse the impact of government and European Union decisions in the health sector;

(f) examine and report back to the House on reports and related documents, which are compiled by the Auditor General or by the Commissioner for Health;

(g) request the Commissioner for Health to appear before the Committee on matters related to his work; and

(h) request persons to appear before the same Committee in order to give a presentation or a statement regarding their tasks and responsibilities on matters which fall under this same Committee.

(2) The Standing Committee on Health shall be constituted of not more than five members, where three members shall constitute a quorum. The members shall be chosen 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.

(3) One of the Members nominated by the Government shall be appointed Chairperson of the Committee.

(4) The provisions of paragraphs (3) and (4) of Standing Order 120B shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to the Standing Committee on Health.’

The Standing Committee on Health met nine times in 2014 as follows:

26 March Address by Opposition Spokesman for Health, Hon. Claudio Grech

Address by Minister for Health, Hon. Godfrey Farrugia

Work Programme of the Standing Committee on Health

The sustainability of the health service

16 April Discussion with the major unions on the industrial relations situation in the health sector

4 June Presentation by Dr Christopher Barbara, Clinical Chairman of the Pathology Department, on policies to limit hospital acquired infections

8 July The situation of mental healthcare facilities for children

13 October Address by the European Commissioner for Health, Dr Tonio Borg

12 November Joint meeting with the Social Affairs Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation

19 November Joint meeting with the Social Affairs Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation (Continuation)

26 November Joint meeting with the Social Affairs Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation (Continuation)

17 December Joint meeting with the Social Affairs Committee on organ and tissue transplant legislation (Continuation).

2.9 Standing Committee for the Consideration of Bills

The Standing Committee for the Consideration of Bills was set up by Motion No. 22 approved on 22 April 2013 and its composition, as amended by way of Motion No. 132 approved on 22 May 2014, is as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Silvio Parnis

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

Hon. Silvio Parnis

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:

‘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 22 times in 2014. 26 bills were discussed, approved and referred back to the House for third reading.

Details of the meetings held in 2014 are as follows:

21 January Bill 27 – Criminal Code (Amendment No. 6) Bill

Bill 25 – Criminal Code (Amendment No. 5) Bill

3 February Bill 22 – Criminal Code (Amendment No. 3) Bill

Bill 23 – Criminal Code (Amendment No. 4) Bill

4 February Bill 20 – Civil Unions Bill

18 February Bill 20 – Civil Unions Bill (Continuation)

25 February Bill 20 – Civil Unions Bill (Continuation)

5 March Bill 25 – Criminal Code (Amendment No. 5) Bill (Continuation)

Bill 34 – Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment) Bill

12 March Bill 25 – Criminal Code (Amendment No. 5) Bill (Continuation)

Bill 31 – Consumer Affairs (Amendment) Bill

17 March Bill 18 – Constitution of Malta (Amendment) Bill

24 March Bill 33 – Communications Laws (Amendment) Bill

25 March Bill 42 – Constitution of Malta and Various Electoral Laws (Amendment) Bill

14 April Bill 32 – Trust and Trustees (Amendment) Bill

9 June Bill 30 – Youth Work Profession Bill

10 June Bill 39 – Marriage Act (Amendment) Bill

Bill 40 – Investment Services (Amendment) Bill

16 June Bill 46 – Commissioner for Revenue (Amendment) Bill

14 July Bill 52 – The Interpretation (Amendment) Bill

Bill 53 – Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment No. 2) Bill

15 July Bill 53 – Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment No. 2) Bill (Continuation)

16 July Bill 60 – Patents and Designs (Amendment) Bill

17 July Bill 53 – Various Laws (Criminal Matters) (Amendment No. 2) Bill (Continuation)

18 July Bill 49 – Fiscal Responsibility Bill

21 July Bill 61 – Enemalta (Transfer of Assets, Rights, Liabilities and Obligations) Bill

22 July Bill 57 – Criminal Code (Amendment No. 5) Bill

Bill 50 – Continental Shelf Bill

Bill 51 – Territorial Waters and Contiguous Zone (Amendment) Bill

Bill 47 – Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill

Bill 24 – Children and Young Persons (Care Orders) (Amendment) Bill

29 July Bill 54 – Animal Welfare (Amendment) Bill.

2.10 National Audit Office Accounts Committee

The National Audit Office Accounts Committee was set up by Motion No. 31 approved on 29 April 2013 in accordance with Part IV of the National Audit Office Act (Cap. 396). Its terms of reference are:

‘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.

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.’

The National Audit Office Accounts Committee is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Louis Grech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto

Members Hon. Chris Agius Hon. Tonio Fenech Hon. Chris Said Hon. Silvio Schembri Hon. Louis Grech

The National Audit Office Accounts Committee met twice in 2014 as follows:

28 October Resolutions on the transfer of:

- Property in St Lucy Street, Naxxar, to the Victoria Club - Property in Santa Liena Square, Birkirkara, to the Dun Filippu Borgia Society - Dar Osanna Pia in Triq Imrabat, St Julian’s, to the Salesian Society - Casa Flamini in Paola Square, Paola, to the Hibernians Football Club - Palazzo de La Salle in Republic Street, Valletta, to the Malta Society of Arts - Land in Pembroke to the Malta BMX Association - Land in Pembroke to the Embassy of China in Malta - Land in Marsa to the Augustinian Province in Malta

11 November Resolution on the transfer of:

- Land in Pembroke to the Embassy of China in Malta (Continuation)

- Annual Report and Financial Statements of the National Audit Office for the Year ending 31 December 2013 and Financial Estimates of the National Audit Office for 2015.

2.11 Standing Committee on Environment and Development Planning

The Standing Committee on Environment and Development Planning was set up by Motion No. 30 approvedd on 29 April 2013 in accordance with Article 34 of the Environment and Development Planning Act (Cap. 504) which 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.

(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 sub-article (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 No. 30 provides for a committee comprising three members from the Government, one of whom will be the Chairman, and two members from the Opposition. The composition of the Committee was changed by way of Motion No. 105 approved by the House on 12 March 2014. The Committee is composed as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Marlene Farrugia

Members Hon. Toni Bezzina Hon. Charles Buhagiar Hon. Joseph M. Sammut Hon. George Pullicino

Hon. Marlene Farrugia

The Committee held seven meetings in 2014. Details of the meetings are as follows:

29 January Information on MEPA policies

26 February Information on MEPA policies (Continuation)

12 March Discussion on the Outside Development Zone (ODZ) Policy and Design Guidance issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority dated January 2014

2 April Discussion on the Outside Development Zone (ODZ) Policy and Design Guidance issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority dated January 2014 (Continuation)

19 May Discussion regarding the document issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority dated December 2013 entitled Fireworks Factory Complexes Policy

27 October Discussion regarding the document issued by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority dated August 2014 entitled Petrol Stations Policy

Discussion regarding request received from NGO Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar regarding the construction of a cement silo and report written by Dr Julian Mamo and Dr John Paul Cauchi entitled Report on a Cement Silo Development – A Public Health Perspective, and report written by Dr Ramiro Cali-Corleo entitled Health Impact Review on the Proposed Cement Silo at the Kordin Terminal

26 November Discussion on the potential environmental health issues surrounding the development adjacent to the Kordin Grain Terminal (Continuation).

2.12 Parliamentary Group on the European Capital of Culture 2018

The composition of the Parliamentary Group on the European Capital of Culture was established in the meetings of the House Business Committee of 25 June and 8 July 2013 as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Deo Debattista

Members Hon. Luciano Busuttil Hon. Mario de Marco Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

Hon. Deo Debattista

The Parliamentary Group on the European Capital of Culture met five times in 2014 to discuss matters in connection with Valletta 18: the European Capital of Culture 2018 as follows:

21 January Meeting with Hon. José Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Government, Mr Jason Micallef, Chairman, Valletta 2018 Foundation, and Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, on works and initiatives carried out in 2013 and those planned for 2014

18 February Meeting with Hon. José Herrera, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Government, Mr Jason Micallef, Chairman, Valletta 2018 Foundation, and Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, on the artistic director and assistant programme directors, and on capital projects, including the performing arts centre, and cultural mapping

26 May Meeting with Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Mr Jason Micallef, Chairman, Valletta 2018 Foundation and Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, on the progress of the capital projects including the Suq l-Antik and Strait Street, on accessibility and on the artistic director and assistant programme directors

22 July Meeting with Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Hon. Michael Falzon, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Simplification of Administrative Processes, Mr Jason Micallef, Chairman, Valletta 2018 Foundation and Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, on bye-laws, the

cleaning, restoration and maintenance of buildings, lighting systems and coordination of events

2 December Meeting with Hon. Owen Bonnici, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government, Mr Jason Micallef, Chairman, Valletta 2018 Foundation, and Dr Karsten Xuereb, project coordinator, on the restoration of buildings, comments made by the artistic director and update on the progress of the capital projects.

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 tasked with making recommendations to the House on the establishment of an Office of Commissioner and Standing Committee on Standards, Ethics and Proper Behaviour in Public Life

In Sitting 63 of 16 October 2013 the House unanimously adopted a resolution (Motion No. 77) presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs and the Implementation of the Electoral Manifesto, Hon. Louis Grech, setting up a Select Committee tasked with making recommendations to the House, by 15 December 2013, on the establishment of an Office of Commissioner and Standing Committee on Standards, Ethics and Proper Behaviour in Public Life.

The resolution established the composition of the Select Committee as follows:

Chairperson Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members Hon. Ryan Callus Hon. Justyne Caruana Hon. George Vella Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech

Hon. Anġlu Farrugia

Motion No. 77 makes reference to another motion on the same subject, Motion No. 69 which was presented by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Simon Busuttil, on 30 September 2013.

The Select Committee met three times in 2013, on 25 October, 5 November and 26 November and twice in 2014 on 4 and 17 February.

The office of the Attorney General prepared a draft bill based on the discussions within the Committee which was circulated to the Members of the Select Committee on 11 December 2013. Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, as Chair of the Select Committee, made an interim report on the progress and tabled the draft bill in the House on 16 December 2013. In order for the Committee to have sufficient time to consider the draft bill prepared by the Office of the Attorney General, the House agreed that the Select Committee present the final bill for consideration by the House once Parliament reconvenes after the Christmas break.

The Speaker tabled the final report of the Select Committee, including a draft Bill, on 24 March.

The Select Committee concluded its work in 2014. The Standards in Public Life Bill, as drafted by the Select Committee, was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech, and its First Reading was seconded by Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech from the Opposition. The Bill was published on 15 July 2014.

4. INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Throughout the year, the House of Representatives continued reaching out to inter-relate with other parliamentarians around the globe.

Besides hosting foreign visitors to the Maltese Parliament, the Speaker led several delegations drawn from both sides of the House on official visits to other parliaments and to participate in interparliamentary meetings overseas.

4.1 Outgoing visits and participation in international fora by the Speaker

4.1.1 Official visit to New South Wales, Australia and 22nd Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, Wellington, New Zealand

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and the Clerk of the House, Mr Raymond Scicluna, took part in the 22nd Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth which was held in Wellington, New Zealand, between 21 and 24 January. This meeting brought together more than 50 Speakers from Commonwealth parliaments to discuss how to reconnect Parliament with the public in order to keep parliaments relevant in the digital age, parliamentary privilege, and the protection of the effective functioning of democracies, the challenges for small parliaments and openness and transparency.

Speaker Farrugia spoke on the subject of parliamentary privilege saying that every MP should make responsible use of the right to speak freely in Parliament without the risk of being sued for it and mentioned the system of citizen’s right of reply which was used by the New South Wales Parliament to control this privilege.

Speaker Farrugia chaired the fourth session on openness and transparency. In his opening remarks he said that in spite of varying degrees of scale and development, all parliaments have as their aim the advancement of democracy throughout the Commonwealth. He recalled the benchmarks established by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association against which parliaments can measure their level of openness and transparency.

During the meeting of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region Speaker Farrugia made a case for Malta’s candidacy to occupy the seat of this region on the Standing Committee of the Conference arguing that it should not always be the British delegation that holds this position, an argument that gathered considerable support.

On the way to New Zealand the Maltese delegation also visited the New South Wales Parliament in Sydney where a number of meetings were held. The main topics discussed were the citizen’s right of reply procedure, the role of the Commissioner for Standards and the lapsing of motions upon dissolution of Parliament.

4.1.2 Participation in the ceremonies marking the celebration of the adoption of the New Tunisian Constitution

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia was invited by the President of the National Constituent Assembly of Tunisia, Dr Mustapha Ben Jaafar, to take part in a ceremony being organised by the President of Tunisia, Dr Moncef Marzouki, between 6 and 8 February to mark the occasion of the Adoption of the Tunisian Constitution. The ceremony was held as an extraordinary session of the National Constituent Assembly.

A number of dignitaries from around the world were present for this occasion. When addressing the Assembly, Speaker Farrugia congratulated the Tunisian people and the authorities for achieving such an important political development which should be of example to other countries in the region. He also referred to the planned elections to be held later in 2014 as being a crucial political goal that would further strengthen Tunisia’s transitional process towards democracy, a process which has Malta’s support.

4.1.3 Official visit to Tbilisi, Georgia

Between 24 and 27 February 2014 Speaker Anġlu Farrugia led a parliamentary delegation comprising Government Whip Carmelo Abela and Opposition Whip David Agius, to Tbilisi, Georgia. The visit took place on the invitation of Mr David Usupashvili, Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia. During the meeting with his counterpart, Speaker Farrugia said that Malta supported the EU position in favour of Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and said that the Maltese Parliament encourages the Georgian Parliament to sign and ratify the EU association agreement.

The Maltese Parliament delegation also held meetings with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Mr Tedo Japaridze, with the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Mr Kakha Kaladze, with the Chairman of the Committee on European Integration of the Parliament of Georgia Mr Victor Dolidze, with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia Mrs Tamar Beruchashvili and with the President of Georgia HE Giorgi Margvelashvili.

4.1.4 International Conference ‘What Europe stands for – Growth, jobs and rights: will the European Union rise to the occasion?’, Rome

On 13 and 14 March Speaker Anġlu Farrugia participated in an international conference organised jointly by the Italian Camera dei Deputati and the Hellenic Parliament on whether the European Union will rise to the occasion in the context of growth, jobs and rights. The conference was divided in two sessions: the first session dealt with promoting robust and sustainable growth based on sound employment in order to overcome the crisis, while the second session concerned ensuring respect for fundamental rights in European Union Member States. Speaker Anġlu Farrugia was accompanied by Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Frederick Azzopardi.

Speaker Farrugia addressed the first session on growth based on sound employment. He said that analysts are now observing positive signs that the European economy is getting back on track with growth returning to economies which had been marked by periods of recession. He said that although the figures might show that the crisis is over, it has left critical levels of unemployment in certain Member States. He also referred to the figures for youth unemployment which are posing the risk of giving rise to a lost generation, i.e. a future generation which is now not being given the necessary skills and opportunities to grow into tomorrow’s political and business leaders. He added that although the figures for Malta are not as worrying, it is essential that employment, the only resource, is safeguarded.

Government Whip Hon. Carmelo Abela addressed the second session on ensuring respect for fundamental rights in European Union Member States. In his address Hon. Abela spoke about the plight of illegal immigrants and how the Dublin II Regulation was having an adverse effect on Malta. He added that this could be addressed by burden sharing by all the Member States, as this is a problem of the whole European Union not just Malta.

4.1.5 2014 International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy and Religion, Rome

Between 31 March and 3 April Speaker Anġlu Farrugia participated in the 2014 International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy and Religion, with the theme ‘The Promotion of World Peace through Inter-Faith Dialogue’, which was organised in Rome by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy.

The Speaker made a keynote address on ‘The Role of Inter-Faith Dialogue in Peace Building and Reconciliation’ in which he spoke about the role of cultural diplomacy and about the potential of culture to bring around change in a given situation and a positive attitude towards new things. In conclusion the Speaker said that politicians and religious leaders alike have to continue to lead by example giving people a true sense of belonging and co-sharing of the decisions taken.

4.1.6 Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments in Vilnius, Lithuania

Between 6 and 8 April Deputy Speaker Ċensu Galea took part in the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments which was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, as part of the meetings organised in the framework of the Lithuanian parliamentary dimension of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The items on the agenda of this Conference were: The Role of Parliaments in tackling the Consequences of the Economic and Financial Crisis; Five Years after coming into force of the Treaty of Lisbon – Lessons of Subsidiarity Checks in Parliaments; Interparliamentary Cooperation with the Eastern Partnership Countries; and Interparliamentary Cooperation in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. The Speakers adopted Conclusions on these items discussed during the Conference.

4.1.7 Conference on Strengthening the capacity of parliamentarians, judges and prosecutors to prevent corruption in their own ranks: emerging trends from two years of GRECO Round IV Evaluations, Vienna, Austria

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, took part in a conference on Strengthening the Capacity of Parliamentarians, Judges and Prosecutors to Prevent Corruption in their own ranks: Emerging Trends from Two Years of GRECO Round IV Evaluations, organised in Laxenburg, Austria, by the International Anti-Corruption Academy (IACA) on 10 and 11 April. The IACA is a young international organization based in Laxenburg. It is the first global institution of its kind, dedicated to overcoming current shortcomings in knowledge and practice in the field of anti- corruption and seeking to empower professionals for the challenges for tomorrow.

Speaker Farrugia made a keynote address during the High-Level Segment of the Conference, where he spoke about a number of national legislative proposals, namely, the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, the Protection of the Whistleblower Act, the Select Committee of the House tasked with making recommendations on the setting up of the Office of Commissioner and a Standing Committee on Standards, Ethics and Proper Behaviour in Public Life and the Bill pursuant thereto and the proposed Bill on Financing of Political Parties.

The Speaker was accompanied by the Attorney General Dr Peter Grech.

4.1.8 Celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the first free elections held in Poland after 1945, Warsaw, Poland

As was announced during the Conference of Speakers of European Union Parliaments held in Vilnius on 6 April, the Marshal (Speaker) of the Sejm, Ms Ewa Kopacz invited the Speakers of the national

52 parliaments to the 25th Anniversary of the first free elections held in Poland after 1945. The celebrations were held on 4 June in Warsaw.

Speaker Farrugia addressed a special Session of the Senate of the Republic of Poland, presided by HE Bogdan Borusewicz, Marshal of the Polish Senate.

In his keynote address, Speaker Farrugia recalled the events which took place in 1989 which culminated in the electoral victory of the Polish movement Solidarność which served in turn as a catalyst in the process of political transition that swept throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives recalled how the fall of the Communist regime in Poland was followed by the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as the end of the Cold War. He also referred to the summit held in Malta in December 1989 between former US President George H. W. Bush and former USSR leader Mikhail Gorbachev, when they declared the official end of the Cold War.

In conclusion, Hon. Anġlu Farrugia conveyed the congratulations of all the Representatives of the Parliament of Malta on this occasion.

4.1.9 Canonisation Mass by Pope Francis

On 27 April, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia attended the canonisation mass of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII celebrated by Pope Francis in Rome. About 150 cardinals and 700 bishops concelebrated the mass, and at least 500,000 people attended the mass in St Peter’s Square.

4.1.10 Round Table Conference organised by the commune of Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily

On 28 June, following an official invitation of the Mayor of Palazzolo Acreide Carlo Scibetta, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia was amongst the distinguished persons invited to participate in a conference with the theme Il territorio, la cultura, e le imprese multifunzionale per nuove forme di cooperazione nel Mediterraneo held in Palazzo Comunale of Palazzolo Acreide.

At the end of the conference, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, together with the other distinguished participants, were taken on a familiarisation visit of the territory where they could watch closely the local entrepreneurial realities.

4.1.11 Eleventh Workshop of Parliamentary Scholars and Parliamentarians, Wroxton, United Kingdom

On 26 and 27 July Speaker Anġlu Farrugia took part in the 11th Workshop of Parliamentary Scholars and Parliamentarians organised by Hull University in conjunction with the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Centre of Legislative Studies of the same university in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.

One of the main themes discussed during the workshop was policy-making and accountability, in particular the accountability of Members of Parliament, on a national and European level.

In his speech, the Speaker reiterated that any form of failure by a Member or Members of Parliament, seriously undermines the confidence of citizens in the elected politician or politicians which subsequently leads to lack of trust in the state and in institutions which is detrimental to the whole political system.

With regards to the EU institutions and their functioning, the Speaker said that these same institutions are obliged to promote transparency and to ensure that decisions taken are in the interest of the European citizen. He argued that transparency can be ensured by respecting the right of civil society to access EU documents as provided for in Article 15 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

4.1.12 11th General Meeting of the International Parliamentarians’ Coalition for North Korean Refugees and Human Rights (IPCNKR), Bucharest, Romania

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, together with Government Whip, Hon. Carmelo Abela, and Opposition Whip, Hon. David Agius, formed part of a parliamentary delegation which participated in the 11th General Meeting of the IPCNKR, held in Bucharest, Romania between 21 and 23 August. The theme of this year’s meeting was the ‘Role of International Organisations in Resolving the Issue of North Korean Human Rights’.

This was the second time that the Maltese Parliament was represented in this gathering, which for the second consecutive time took place in a European Member State. Speaker Farrugia made congratulatory remarks at the opening of the meeting where he recalled his contribution to the 10th Joint Statement adopted during the 2013 meeting and expressed his satisfaction that the last paragraph of this Statement, which asked for it to be conveyed “to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, as part of its effort to co-operate with international and regional organisations, such as the European Union and the Council of Europe, toward the termination of the tragedies of North Koreans”, was also part of the Statement of the 11th IPCNKR.

In his address, Speaker Farrugia referred to the 372-page report by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), which contained a number of recommendations intended to address the serious human rights violations found to be committed by the DPRK. He likewise referred to the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK as well as to the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council drawn up in preparation for the 27th Session of the Human Rights Council due in September 2014.

The Speaker also spoke about the various contributions by the European Union vis-à-vis the human rights situation in the DPRK, particularly the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council of 10 February 2014 where the EU declared its support to the “work of the Commission of Inquiry investigating the human rights situation in the DPRK” and also ensured “follow-up to its report and recommendations”.

In conclusion, Speaker Farrugia appealed to the North Korean people not to despair as the countries represented gathered for the meeting are on their side.

At the end of the meeting, the delegates approved the 11th Joint Statement of the IPCNKR. During the closing session of the meeting it was agreed that the meeting in 2015 will be hosted by Austria.

4.1.13 European Conference of Presidents of Parliament, Oslo, Norway

On 11 and 12 September Deputy Speaker Ċensu Galea participated in the 2014 European Conference of Presidents of Parliament which was organised by the Storting (Parliament of Norway). This biennial Conference brings together Presidents of Parliament from the Council of Europe’s Member States and from a number of neighbouring countries. It is hosted alternately in Strasbourg or in the capital of a Council of Europe Member State. The main themes of this year’s Conference were ‘Fundamental constitutional rights and freedoms – participation, trust and public debate as conditions for democracy’, ‘Democracy, sovereignty and security in Europe’ and ‘Majority and Opposition – striking a balance in a democracy’.

4.1.14 Parliamentary Intelligence Forum, Washington, USA

On the invitation of US Congressman Robert Pittenger, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, participated in the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum which was held in the Capitol, Washington DC, on 18 and 19 September.

During the Forum, the participants had meetings with members of the US Congress from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and with Chairman Goodlatte of the House Committee on Judiciary. They participated in discussions on ‘Full Assessment of the ISIS Threat against the West’, ‘Espionage and Transatlantic Politics’ and ‘Defunding the Threat of Terrorism’.

On the margins of the Forum, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia discussed the role of Malta in the current Libyan crisis with the US Congress House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. Speaker Farrugia emphasised that Malta, as a neutral and credible country, can have a very strategic role in dealing with all factions that are presently in conflict to dominate Libya.

Chairman Rogers thanked Malta for accepting that the US Ambassador to Libya works temporarily from Malta in view of the volatile situation in that country.

The Speaker, accompanied by Hon. Carmelo Abela, joined several parliamentarians from a number of European and other countries, including Austria, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Portugal, Romania and the United Kingdom.

4.1.15 Conference of Presidents of Parliament of European Small States, Andorra

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia participated in the IX Conference of the Presidents of the Small States of Europe which this year was hosted by the General Council of Andorra between 24 and 26 September.

The main themes of this year’s Conference were: ‘Current issues and a perspective on order in the parliaments of the small European states’, ‘Criteria, policies and results in the recovery from the crisis in the small states’ and ‘The small states’ contribution to democratic governance’. When addressing the Conference, Speaker Farrugia emphasised Malta’s international credibility and capacity to assist Libya to regain its governability through co-operation between Parliament and the United Nations, especially now that a special UN Mission has been authorised under Bernardino Leon, representative of the United Nations Secretary General. Speaker Farrugia also highlighted Malta’s neutrality which would be essential in assisting both sides in getting all Libyan factions to commence discussions for mutual benefit.

In his intervention on the topic dealing with small States’ contribution to democratic governance, Speaker Farrugia emphasised the importance of a truly autonomous Parliament and a Parliament which is open and close to the people. On this matter he spoke about the new Commissioner for Standards in Public Life who will deal with the ethical behaviour of MPs and also about the plans for Parliament to commence live streaming of all parliamentary debates and a parliamentary TV channel.

4.1.16 CPA 34th Small Branches Conference and 60th Annual Conference, Yaoundé, Cameroon

A delegation from the Maltese Parliament, led by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and comprising Hon. Carmelo Abela, Hon. David Agius and Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis, took part in the Commonwealth 60th Annual Conference and 34th Small Branches Conference organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) between 2 and 10 October in Yaoundé, Cameroon. A number of workshops were organised during the 60th Annual Conference. Speaker Anġlu Farrugia took part in

the workshops on transparency and accountability as requirements for good governance and on codes of ethics for Members of Parliament, where he spoke about the plans for setting up an independent Office and standing committee on standards in public life in Malta. Hon. Abela took part in the workshop on the post-2015 development agenda against the standards set out in the Commonwealth Charter. In his intervention Hon. Abela stressed that national parliaments have a duty to ensure that their respective governments are committed to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, which ultimately affect the lives of the citizens.

In Yaoundé the delegation also took part in the 34th Small Branches Conference. The opening address of the Conference was made by Sir Alan Haselhurst, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the CPA. In his speech he made reference to his visit to Malta earlier this year and praised Malta’s participation in the CPA, particularly in the Small Branches area. The themes discussed during this Conference concerned specifically the economic and social challenges faced by small countries and the role of parliaments in respect of the most vulnerable citizens.

4.1.17 Visit to Saudi Arabia

Between 23 and 25 November the Speaker led a parliamentary delegation, including Hon. Toni Bezzina and Hon. Joseph M. Sammut, to Saudi Arabia. During the visit the delegation held several meetings with dignitaries from Saudi Arabia and discussed several issues, namely, the relationship between the two countries, the international situation in the context of the situation in Libya and the advancement of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, the role played by Malta in peacekeeping in view of its neutral status, and the possibilities of further exchanges between the Maltese Parliament and the Shoura Council of Saudi Arabia.

4.1.18 Participation in the 66th Plenary Meeting of GRECO

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia took part in the 66th Plenary Meeting of GRECO (Group of States against Corruption of the Council of Europe) which was held in Strasbourg, France, between 8 and 12 December under the Presidency of the Croatian Marin Mrčela. In the plenary meeting, in which Malta was represented by the Speaker, the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General, the report on Malta drawn up by GRECO following the visit of the same GRECO to Malta as part of the Fourth Evaluation Round between 23 and 27 June of this year, was discussed and approved.

During the visit in Strasbourg, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia met with Ms Tania Carabott, Deputy Permanent Representative of Malta to the Council of Europe.

4.2 Outgoing Visits of Maltese Parliamentary Delegations

4.2.1 Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs

January Hon. Chris Fearne participated in the Meeting of COSAC Chairpersons which was held in Athens on 26 and 27 January

June Hon. Joseph M. Sammut and Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech took part in the LI COSAC Meeting which was held in Athens between 15 and 17 June

November Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici participated in the LII COSAC Meeting which was held in Rome between 31 November and 2 December.

4.2.2 European Parliament and European Union Presidency Meetings

Members of Parliament participate in two types of interparliamentary meetings with the European Parliament: meetings of committee Chairs organised by the parliament of the country holding the rotating EU Presidency and interparliamentary committee meetings organised by the committees of the European Parliament.

Interparliamentary committee meetings with national parliaments are proposed on the initiative of an individual parliamentary committee of the European Parliament, for which national parliamentarians from their corresponding committee are invited. These meetings are a continuation of existing practice and mainly cover the policy areas where the European Union has legislative powers using the co-decision procedure. The aim of these meetings is to promote exchange of views and best practice between European and national parliamentarians with a view to influencing the legislative decisions of the European Parliament and ensuring more transparency and openness in the decision-making process. They are co-organised by the Directorate for Relations with National Parliaments and the European Parliament committee concerned.

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

January Hon. Tonio Fenech took part in the European Parliamentary Week on the European Semester organised by the European Parliament in Brussels on 20 and 21 January

Hon. Chris Fearne participated in the Meeting of the Committees on European Affairs of the Parliaments of the South which was held in Nicosia on 24 and 25 January

February Hon. Jason Azzopardi and Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the Meeting of Chairpersons of the Committees on justice and home affairs, organised by the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Athens on 16 and 17 February

Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Claudio Grech participated in the Parliamentary Forum on ‘EU Parliaments in global governance’, organised by the European Parliament in Brussels on 18 February

March On 19 March Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the Joint Committee Meeting on ‘Future priorities in the field of civil liberties, justice and home affairs’ organised by the European Parliament in Brussels

Hon. Clyde Puli and Hon. Deborah Schembri participated in the Inter-Parliamentary Committee Meeting ‘Preventing violence against women – a challenge for all’ which was organised by the European Parliament in Brussels on 5 March

Hon. Toni Bezzina and Hon. Joseph M. Sammut took part in the Meeting of Chairpersons of the Committees on production, trade and maritime affairs organised by the Hellenic Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Athens, on 16 and 17 March

September On 23 September Hon. Tonio Fenech took part in an Exchange of Views between members of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (ECON) of the European Parliament and national parliamentarians on the European Semester for economic policy coordination: implementation of 2014 prorities, organised by the European Parliament in Brussels

On 29 and 30 September Hon. Tonio Fenech and Hon. Silvio Schembri participated in the Interparliamentary Conference under Article 13 of the Fiscal Compact which was

organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Rome

October Hon. Jason Azzopardi and Hon. Deborah Schembri participated in the Meeting of Chairpersons of the Committees on fundamental rights organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Rome on 13 and 14 October

Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Ċensu Galea took part in the Meeting of Chairpersons of Committees on agriculture, industrial development and SMEs organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Rome on 26 and 27 October

November Hon. Luciano Busuttil and Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech took part in the Inter- Parliamentary Conference for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CFSP/CSDP) organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Rome between 5 and 7 November

On 10 and 11 November Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the Fundamental Rights Conference organised by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights and co-hosted together with the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in Rome on 10 and 11 November

On 20 and 21 November Hon. Joseph Farrugia and Hon. Stephen Spiteri took part in the Meeting of Chairpersons of Committees specialised on employment, research and innovation organised by the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in Rome.

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. Using its powers under the founding Statute, the Assembly can:

- demand action from 47 European governments, who must jointly reply; - conduct probes to uncover new facts about human rights violations; - question Presidents and Prime Ministers on any topic it chooses; - observe elections and send delegations to mediate in crisis hot-spots; - negotiate the terms on which states join the Council of Europe; - inspire new national laws by proposing and giving opinions on treaties; - request legal opinions on the laws and constitutions of member states; and - sanction a member state by recommending its exclusion or suspension.

Though it has no power to pass binding laws, PACE holds a constant dialogue with governments, national parliaments, other international organisations and civil society which "sets the agenda". In this way, its texts filter down through law and practice to improve the lives of Europeans.

Through its recommendations, the Assembly demands action on behalf of the 800 million Europeans it represents and the 47 governments of the Council of Europe, represented in the Committee of Ministers, are obliged to respond. In practice, the Assembly often acts as the driving force of the Council of Europe by promoting new ideas, setting strategic direction and initiating many of the Council's most important activities.

The Assembly sets its own agenda where it discusses European and international events covering issues related to human rights, democracy, protection of minorities and the rule of law.

In terms of Motion No. 16 adopted by the House on 15 April 2013 and Motion No. 130 adopted by the House on 7 May 2014, the Maltese delegation to the PACE is composed as follows:

Members Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Leader of the delegation Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami Hon. Deborah Schembri

Substitute Members Hon. Charlò Bonnici Hon. Deo Debattista Hon. Joseph M. Sammut Hon. Joe Debono Grech

The delegates are also members of the committees as shown hereunder:

Hon. Joe Debono Grech - Bureau of the Assembly - Standing Committee of the Assembly - Political Affairs and Democracy Committee - Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons - Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee)

Hon. Charlò Bonnici - Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) - Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development - Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media

Hon. Deo Debattista - Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development - Committee on Culture, Science, Education and Media

Hon. Joseph M. Sammut - Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights - Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination

Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami - Political Affairs and Democracy Committee - Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons

Hon. Deborah Schembri - Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights - Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination.

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 Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami, Hon. Michael Falzon and Hon. Charlò Bonnici took part in the First Part of the 2014 Ordinary Session of the PACE, which was held in Strasbourg between 27 and 29 January

March Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the Meeting of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination which was organised in Vienna on 4 March

April Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Hon. Charlò Bonnici and Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami took part in the Second Part of the 2014 Ordinary Session of the PACE, which was held in Strasbourg between 6 and 9 April

May Hon. Joe Debono Grech took part in the Meeting of the Standing Committee held in Azerbaijan on 18 May

June Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the Meeting of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination which was organised in Paris on 2 June

Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Hon. Charlò Bonnici and Hon. Beppe Fenech Adami took part in the Third Part of the 2014 Ordinary Session of the PACE, which was held in Strasbourg between 23 and 25 June

September Hon. Joe Debono Grech took part in the Meeting of the Monitoring Committee which was held on 3 September in Paris

Hon. Deborah Schembri participated in the Meeting of the Committee on Equality and Non-Discrimination and in the Meeting of the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, which took place in Paris on 8 and 9 September

On 22 September, Hon. Joe Debono Grech took part in the Meeting of the ad hoc Sub-Committee of the Monitoring Committee on Russia’s Neighbourhood Policy with regard to other Council of Europe Member States, which was organised in Vienna

Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Hon. Charlò Bonnici and Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the Fourth Part of the 2014 Ordinary Session of the PACE, which was held in Strasbourg between 29 September and 3 October

October Between 9 and 13 October Hon. Joe Debono Grech took part in a PACE General Elections Observation Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 23 and 24 October Hon. Claudette Buttigieg and Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the Seminar organised by the Sub-Committee on Co-operation with non- European Countries of Origin and Transit of the Monitoring Committee, which was held in Rabat, Morocco

November Hon. Deo Debattista and Hon. Marthese Portelli took part in the Parliamentary Seminar on ensuring safe and healthy working conditions organised by the Sub- Committee on the European Social Charter which was organised on 10 November in Paris

Hon. Joe Debono Grech took part in the Meeting of the Monitoring Committee which was organised on 14 November in Paris

Hon. Joe Debono Grech took part in the Meeting of the Standing Committee which was held on 18 November in Brussels

On 25 November Hon. Joe Debono Grech, Hon. Charlò Bonnici and Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in a Meeting of the Enlarged Standing Committee in Strasbourg

December Hon. Deborah Schembri participated in a Parliamentary Seminar organised by the Sub-Committee on Gender Equality Parliamentary Network “Women free from Violence” and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Equalities on Women free from

Violence in the United Kingdom: The Istanbul Convention, in London on 9 December

Hon. Joe Debono Grech took part in the Meeting of the Monitoring Committee which was organised in Paris on 11 December.

The resolutions and recommendations adopted or approved by the PACE were laid on the Table of the House of Representatives.

Hon. Joe Debono Grech, as co-rapporteur of the Monitoring Committee on Azerbaijan, took part in two fact-finding missions in Azerbaijan as follows:

January Between 20 and 24 January in the Fact Finding Mission to Azerbaijan organised by the PACE

May Between 19 and 24 in the Fact Finding Visit of Co-Rapporteurs of the PACE Monitoring Committee to the Republic of Azerbaijan in Azerbaijan.

4.2.4 Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean

Since the Helsinki process in 1973 which led to the setting up of the CSCE (Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe), countries like Malta strongly underscored the principle of indivisibility of security and vehemently underscored that peace, security and stability in Europe and in the Mediterranean were intrinsically and inextricably interlinked. The ‘Mediterranean dimension’, better known as the CSCM (Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean), within the Charter of Paris for a New Europe signed in November 1990, is synonymous to Malta which advocated since the very start of the Helsinki process that there cannot be security in Europe without security in the Mediterranean. To underscore the importance of this dimension and its commitment towards the region, Malta hosted four CSCE/OSCE seminars on the Mediterranean, the first one in 1979, followed by those in 1993 and in 1998 and 2010.

Following seven Interparliamentary Conferences on Security and Cooperation in Europe between 1972 and 1991, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) decided on a similar process in the Mediterranean, launching the process of the CSCM under the auspices of the IPU and including all littoral states of the Mediterranean.

In April 1990, during the 83rd IPU Conference in Nicosia, a resolution entitled The Promotion of Peace and Security in the Mediterranean region in the light of developments in Europe and the new spirit prevailing internationally recommended the convening of a Conference of Parliamentarians of all Mediterranean States to discuss measures addressing various fields of cooperation. The idea of an Interparliamentary CSCM was met with interest and support from among Parliamentarians around the Mediterranean. IPU decided therefore to launch an ‘interparliamentary’ CSCM which convened meetings in Malaga (Spain) in June 1992, in Valletta (Malta) in November 1995 and in Marseille (France) in April 2000.

The Malaga Conference confirmed the basic principles of the process and set up the general framework for cooperation between the Mediterranean partners; the Valletta Conference affirmed the need to give the CSCM process a solid institutional basis, both at governmental and parliamentary level, and further recommended, on Malta’s initiative, the setting up of an Association of Mediterranean States. The Marseille Conference urged that ‘concurrent action should continue to be taken to establish an interparliamentary cooperation structure as advocated in the Final Document of the Second Interparliamentary Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean, with a view to creating, in the long run, a Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean’ and ‘to establish

an interparliamentary structure as advocated in the Valletta (1995) document’ which enjoys a superior status, thus institutionalizing the CSCM process.

In February 2005, the Fourth and final CSCM Conference was held in Nafplion, Greece. During that meeting, representatives of national parliaments of the Mediterranean States finalized and adopted the Statutes of the Parliamentary Assembly and decided to hold the first meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) in Amman, Jordan in 2006.

During PAM’s inauguration on 10-11 September 2006 in Amman, Jordan, Malta was unanimously selected to host the PAM’s Secretariat at Palazzo Spinola in St Julian’s.

The aim of the PAM 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.

PAM is a regional interstate organisation and is an Observer at the General Assembly of the United Nations. Over a short period, PAM has established itself as the main actor in parliamentary diplomacy in the region, and its commitment to the founding principles and its Charter, is guaranteed by the continued support of all its member parliaments.

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:

 First Standing Committee on Political and Security-Related Cooperation  Second Standing Committee on Economic, Social and Environmental Cooperation  Third Standing 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.

By way of Motion No. 27 approved by the House on 29 April 2013, the parliamentary delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean is composed as follows:

Members Hon. Justyne Caruana, Leader of the delegation Hon. Albert Fenech Hon. Joseph M. Sammut Hon. Silvio Schembri Hon. Stephen Spiteri

Substitute Members Hon. Etienne Grech Hon. Justyne Caruana Hon. Clyde Puli

Details of the delegation’s participation in PAM meetings are as follows:

January Hon. Justyne Caruana took part in the 8th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean which was organised in Marseille on 22 January

April Hon. Joseph M. Sammut and Hon. Clyde Puli participated in the Meeting of the 3rd Standing Committee of the PAM which was organised in Antalya on 24 and 25 April

May Hon. Justyne Caruana took part in the 24th Meeting of the PAM Bureau which was organised in Athens on 5 and 6 May

Hon. Joseph M. Sammut and Hon. Stephen Spiteri took part in a conference organised by the PAM on Waste management: collection, recycling and reuse which took place in Caserta on 30 and 31 May

November On 10 November Hon. Justyne Caruana participated in the Meeting of the Extended PAM Bureau which was organised in Rome.

4.2.5 Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), formerly Euro- Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, consists of 280 members: 132 EU members (83 members from the 28 EU national parliaments – three from each Parliament except for the UK that has two members – and 49 members from the European Parliament), 8 members from parliaments of the European Mediterranean partner countries (two for each delegation from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Monaco and Montenegro), 130 members from the ten founding countries on the Southern and Eastern shores of the Mediterranean (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey), and 10 members from the Parliament of Mauritania.

The Assembly has five parliamentary committees which are responsible for monitoring the following aspects of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership:

 Committee on Political Affairs, Security, and Human Rights  Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, Social Affairs and Education  Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between Civil Societies, and Culture  Committee on Women’s Rights in Euro-Mediterranean countries  Committee on Energy, Environment, and Water.

The Assembly may set up working groups whose membership and powers will be determined by the bureau.

The PA-UfM is a consultative institution. Its resolutions and recommendations focus on the partnership’s objectives and areas of cooperation and are not legally binding. At present, the PA-UfM is the main parliamentary dimension of the Union for the Mediterranean. It absorbed the Barcelona Process and was officially launched at the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of 43 countries held in Paris on 13 July 2008.

On 28 April 2010, the European Parliament adopted Motion 2009/2215(INI) on the Union for the Mediterranean, whereby, in its clause 37, ‘stresses that the purpose of the EMPA is to become the parliamentary assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, which will guarantee its democratic legitimacy, and supports the proposal of the 6th plenary session of the EMPA held in Amman on 13 and 14 March 2010 and that the name of the EMPA should be changed to Parliamentary Assembly – Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM)’.

By way of Motion No. 29 approved by the House on 29 April 2013 the parliamentary delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean is composed of the following Members:

Members Hon. Michael Falzon, Leader of the delegation Hon. Ċensu Galea Hon. Silvio Parnis

Substitute Members Hon. Luciano Busuttil Hon. Albert Fenech Hon. Silvio Schembri Hon. Michael Falzon

February Hon. Michael Falzon, Hon. Ċensu Galea, Hon. Silvio Schembri and Hon. Justyne Caruana took part in the Plenary Session organised by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean which was organised in Amman, on 8 and 9 February

October On 23 and 24 October, Hon. Ċensu Galea took part in the Meeting of the Committee on Improving Quality of Life, Exchanges between Civil Societies and Culture, which was organised in Rome.

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 appointment of the branch of 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.

During 2014 Members of the Maltese House of Representatives took part in the following CPA events:

March Between 14 and 17 March, Hon. Justyne Caruana and Hon. Claudette Buttigieg took part in the Meeting of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians in the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) on enhancing the participation of women in politics, organised in Edinburgh

April Hon. Carmelo Abela took part in the CPA Executive Committee Mid-Year Meeting which was organised in London between 28 April and 1 May

May Hon. Carmelo Abela, Hon. Luciano Busuttil and Hon. Charles Mangion participated in the 44th CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Conference in Cardiff between 27 and 30 May

June Hon. Deo Debattista and Hon. Tonio Fenech participated in the 4th Westminster Workshop on the role of Public Accounts and other parliamentary committees in financial scrutiny of public expenditure organised by the CPA UK Branch in London between 23 and 26 June

July Between 25 July and 2 August Hon. Deborah Schembri took part in the 39th CPA Annual Regional Conference of the Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region, which was organised in Barbados

September Hon. Mario Galea took part in a CPA Election Observation Mission in Montserrat between 3 and 15 September

November Between 17 and 21 November Hon. Robert Cutajar and Hon. Silvio Schembri took part in the International Parliamentary Conference on Growth for Development organised by the CPA in London

December Hon. Justyne Caruana took part in the Meeting of the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Steering Committee held in London on 12 December.

4.2.7 Inter-Parliamentary Union

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organisation established in 1889 as a forum for political multilateral negotiations. To that end, it:

 fosters contacts, co-ordination, and the exchange of experience among parliaments and parliamentarians of all countries;  considers questions of international interest and concern and expresses its views on such issues in order to bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians;  contributes to the defence and promotion of human rights - an essential factor of parliamentary democracy and development;  contributes to better knowledge of the working of representative institutions and to the strengthening and development of their means of action.

The Maltese Parliament, together with the parliaments of 165 other countries, is a member of the IPU. The IPU supports the efforts of and works in close cooperation with the United Nations and has a permanent observer status at the United Nations.

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

In October 2011, the IPU adopted its Strategy for 2012-2017 under the overall title Better parliaments, stronger democracy.

The parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, as set out in Motion No. 26 approved by the House on 29 April 2013, is made up of:

Members Hon. Carmelo Abela, Leader of the delegation Hon. Michael Gonzi

Substitute Members Hon. Joseph M. Sammut Hon. Stephen Spiteri

Hon. Carmelo Abela

During 2014, the Members of the parliamentary delegation participated in the following meetings:

March Between 16 and 20 March, Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Michael Gonzi took part in the 130th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and related meetings, held in Geneva

October Between 14 and 16 October, Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Michael Gonzi took part in the 131st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and related meetings, held in Geneva.

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

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) was established following a decision of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) at a Ministerial Conference in Berlin in 1991. The first formal session of the Parliamentary Assembly was held in Budapest in July 1992. Currently the OSCE PA is made up of 323 members from 56 parliaments, including the Maltese Parliament.

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 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 the unique network of OSCE field missions.

By way of Motion No. 28 approved by the House on 29 April 2013 and Motion 131 approved by the House on 7 May 2014, the Maltese Parliament is represented in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe as follows:

Members Hon. Godfrey Farrugia, Leader of the delegation Hon. Carmelo Abela Hon. Frederick Azzopardi

Substitute Members Hon. Jason Azzopardi Hon. Luciano Busuttil Hon. Michael Falzon Hon. Godfrey Farrugia

Members of the Maltese delegation participated in the following meetings:

January Hon. Chris Fearne took part in the OSCE Forum for Security Cooperation which was held in Vienna on 29 January

February Hon. Chris Fearne, Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Frederick Azzopardi took part in the Winter Meeting organised by the OSCE PA in Vienna, on 13 and 14 February

June Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Godfrey Farrugia participated in the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly which was organised in Baku, Azerbaijan, between 28 June and 2 July

October Between 3 and 5 October Hon. Godfrey Farrugia, Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and Hon. Joseph M. Sammut took part in the Autumn Meeting of the OSCE PA which took place in Geneva.

4.2.9 Other meetings

January Hon. Jason Azzopardi took part in the conference ‘An open and safe Europe – What next?’ organised by the European Commission in Brussels on 29 and 30 January

April Hon. David Agius, Hon. Jason Azzopardi and Hon. Silvio Parnis, members of the Malta-France Parliamentary Friendship Group, took part in an official visit to Paris between 7 and 9 April

June Hon. Claudette Buttigieg took part in the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict which was organised in London between 10 and 13 June

September Hon. Luciano Busuttil took part in the 12th Summer Defence Conference which was held in Bordeaux, France, on 8 and 9 September

Hon. David Agius participated in the European Interparliamentary Conference: Challenges of sustainable tourism - Promoting Cultural Heritage and Environmental Protection which was organised by the Croatian Parliament in Zagreb, Croatia, between 10 and 13 September

October On 6 and 7 October Hon. Luciano Busuttil, Hon. Marthese Portelli, Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and Hon. Joseph M. Sammut took part in the 8th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP-8) held in Rome

On 10 and 11 October Hon. Charles Buhagiar, Hon. Ċensu Galea and Hon. George Pullicino took part in the EUFORES Inter-parliamentary Meeting on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency held in Lisbon

November On 21 November Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici participated in the United Nations International Meeting of Parliamentarians in Support of Israeli- Palestinian Peace held in New York.

4.3 Incoming Visits and Conferences organised by the Maltese Parliament

4.3.1 Visit by Vice President of the European Commission

The Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Inter-Institutional Relations and Administration, Maroš Šefčovič, visited Malta on 29-31 January. As part of the programme the Commissioner paid a courtesy call on the Speaker of the House of Representatives and also addressed the Foreign and European Affairs Committee. An important part of the portfolio of Vice President Šefčovič is relations with national parliaments. During his short visit to Malta, Commissioner Šefčovič was taken on a tour of the new Parliament building by Mr Speaker.

The main issues discussed in the meeting with the Speaker were the increasing role of the Maltese Parliament in European affairs especially in the light of new powers and responsibilities arising from the Lisbon Treaty, the importance of interparliamentary co-operation, the forthcoming European elections, new instruments adopted in the aftermath of the financial crisis and better democratic legitimacy in the economic governance process.

With the members of the Foreign and European Affairs Committee, Vice President Šefčovič spoke about the relations between the European Commission and national parliaments, the involvement of national parliaments in pre-legislative consultations, the ‘yellow-card’ shown by national parliaments

in respect of the proposal for a European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the current rules concerning subsidiarity checks by national parliaments and the future of COSAC (Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union).

4.3.2 Visit by the President of the Hellenic Republic

On 13 February, the President of the Hellenic Republic HE Karolas Papoulias who was on a state visit to Malta, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Deputy Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Kyriakos Gerontopoulos, accompanied HE Papoulias on this visit.

HE Papoulias and Hon. Farrugia discussed topics of mutual interest, including the excellent relations that exist between Malta and Greece, the Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the question of irregular migration, the financial crisis and unemployment, maritime affairs and the recent twinning between Gżira and Glyfada.

During his visit to Malta, the Greek President conferred the Grand-Croix de l’Ordre de l’Honneur of Greece on the Speaker.

4.3.3 Meeting of the Monitoring Committee of the PACE

On 27 and 28 February Malta hosted a meeting of the Committee on the Honouring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe (Monitoring Committee) under the auspices of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). 41 Committee members and three observers participated at this meeting which was addressed by Mr Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Speaker Farrugia, addressing the participants, referred to the importance given by the Monitoring Committee to human rights, justice and rule of law, and emphasised the important role of the Monitoring Committee in relation to the current situation in Ukraine.

The Maltese Members of the parliamentary delegation to the PACE participated in the meeting. The proceedings of the meeting were held in camera.

4.3.4 Visit by the President of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

On 8 May Speaker Anġlu Farrugia met with Sir Alan Haselhurst MP, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

During the meeting, both dignitaries spoke of the excellent relations that exist between the House of Representatives of Malta and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, where Malta is represented by Hon. Carmelo Abela and Hon. David Agius as a member and substitute member of the CPA Executive Committee, respectively.

They discussed various issues of common interest, particularly the initiative of Sir Alan Haselhurst on strengthening the role of the Commonwealth Small Branches by establishing a President of Small Branches who, among other duties, will represent the CPA Small Branches on the Executive Committee. Malta has already expressed its support of this initiative.

They also referred to the suggestion of the Maltese Prime Minister at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Sri Lanka in 2013, to set up in Malta a Centre of Excellence for Small States.

4.3.5 Visit by the Israel-Malta Parliamentary Friendship Group

Between 17 and 19 June a delegation from the Israel-Malta Parliamentary Friendship Group paid an official visit to Malta during which the Members of the Israeli Knesset paid a courtesy call on Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives. The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including the links between the Maltese and the Jews, the outcome of the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel last October, co-operation at various levels and the recent kidnapping of three Israeli youths.

The Israeli delegation led by Ms Orly Levi-Abekasis, Chair of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, held discussions with its counterpart, the Malta-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group, and had a joint meeting with the Foreign and European Affairs Committee and the Family Affairs Committee.

The delegation met Hon. George Vella, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Helena Dalli, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, as well as Hon. Edward Zammit Lewis, Minister for Tourism. They also visited Malta Enterprise where a presentation on investment promotion was made to the delegation.

4.3.6 Visit by a delegation of the German Bundestag

On 1 October a delegation of the German Bundestag, led by Mr Peter Blaser, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany, visited the Maltese Parliament.

The two sides reiterated the excellent political, economic and cultural relations that exist between Malta and Germany since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in December 1964. During the meeting the two sides discussed co-operation at parliamentary level, particularly the activities of the Joint Parliamentary Friendship Group set up between the Maltese Parliament and the Bundestag, as well as other issues of mutual interest including the crisis situation in Libya, the threat of ISIS and the problem of illegal immigration.

4.3.7 Visit by a delegation from the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial Congress, China

On 13 October, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia received a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial Congress in China.

The two sides reiterated the outstanding bilateral relations that exist between Malta and the People’s Republic of China at the political, economic and cultural level, following the establishment of diplomatic relations in January 1972.

Hon. Farrugia expressed the interest in reconvening the Sino-Maltese Joint Economic Commission at the earliest opportunity given that the last session was held back in 2009. This was stated in view of Malta’s wish to consolidate the areas of economic and trade cooperation with the People’s Republic of China.

The Deputy Head of the Standing Committee of the Hubei Provincial Congress, Mr Li Chunming, thanked Hon. Farrugia for the warm welcome that was extended to the visiting delegation and invited the Maltese Parliament to reciprocate this visit. Both sides agreed that bilateral relations should be further enhanced in order to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy.

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 2014. The Maltese Association has been a member of the European Association of Former Parliamentarians 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. All reports of the European Association during their colloquies are forwarded to the Council of Europe and to the European institutions.

In 2014 the Association of Former Members of Parliament met with the independent commission set up by the Prime Minister in 2013 and chaired by Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino, with the aim of making recommendations on the pay packages of MPs. During this meeting the Association expressed its views on the remuneration and benefits of parliamentarians and on the functioning of Parliament in general.

The Association also met with representatives of the Office of the Prime Minister and of the Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency and EU funds about the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be organised in Malta and the Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2017, offering its assistance and expertise, if required.

Mr Lino Debono and Dr Vincent Moran participated in the Bureau of the European Association of Former Members of Parliament of the Member States of the Council of Europe, which was held in Paris on 14 March.

Between 12 and 14 June Mr Lino Debono and Mr Michael Bonnici took part in the Meeting of the Bureau of the European Association of Former Parliamentarians which was held in Warsaw. During this meeting the Minutes of the Bureau Meeting and of the General Assembly held on 15 March in the French National Assembly were discussed and approved. A general discussion on the subject of strengthening the democratic institutions and the participation of the people in the light of the challenges of democracy in the age of globalisation was held. An important issue for Malta raised during the discussion was the voting rights of immigrants, on which the Maltese delegation insisted that immigrants should not have voting rights as these should be limited to citizens. The Maltese delegation also proposed an amendment to the Warsaw Declaration on the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of World War I and the 75th Anniversary of the beginning of World War II. The proposal of the Maltese delegation was to replace the wording ‘Europe should be one’ with ‘A united Europe’ in order to avoid any inference to federalism. This amendment was accepted and approved by the Assembly.

Mr Alfred Portelli and Dr Manuel Borda took part in the Colloquy organised by the European Association of Former Members of Parliament, on ‘The challenges for democracy in times of globalisation – How to strengthen the democratic institutions and people’s participation?’ held in Brussels between 12 and 14 November 2014.

6. OTHER ACTIVITIES

6.1 Publication “Is-Sedja Titkellem”

Towards the end of March, a collection of the rulings given in the first year of this Legislature was published in the form of a book entitled Is-Sedja Titkellem.

This publication is the first of its kind and was distributed to all the Members of Parliament. It will also be available in the Parliament’s library.

This first publication was also presented to the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, and to the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Simon Busuttil, as leaders of their respective parliamentary groups.

6.2 Appointment of the President of Malta

In terms of Article 48 of the Constitution of Malta, the President of Malta is appointed by way of resolution of the House of Representatives and in terms of Article 50, a person so appointed shall take the oath of office before the House. Following the unanimous adoption by the House of the motion calling for the nomination of Ms Marie Louise Coleiro Preca as President of the Republic, the official swearing-in ceremony was held at a special sitting of the House held in the Throne Room of the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta on 4 April 2014.

6.3 Ekoskola

The House of Representatives hosted the 10th EkoSkola Parliamentary session on 29 May. The EkoSkola Parliamentary Session is an annual event bringing together young policy makers, face to face with the country’s policy makers in a parliamentary debate, discussing ways of improving the quality of life at school and in the country in general.

The sitting was chaired by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and was attended by 76 students from 38 schools, together with the participation of a number of Members of Parliament from both sides of the House. This year’s theme, as a follow up of the 3rd Young People’s Environmental Summit held on 28 March 2014 in Malta, was sustainable development focusing on the issues of waste, water, energy, the family and education.

The motion presented at the beginning of the session read ‘We are always ready to commit ourselves because we believe that if we have a better environment, our health will be better, and if our health is better, we can enjoy a happier life and a healthier society’.

20 Members of Parliament from both sides of the House participated in this event, including the Prime Minister, Hon. Joseph Muscat, and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Simon Busuttil.

6.4 NSTF Mini European Assembly

On 25 April the 24th annual session of the NSTF Mini European Assembly (MEA) was held in the parliamentary Chamber with the participation of around 40 young students. The MEA is a simulation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe where students, in teams of 5 members, represent different European countries and discuss topics of European relevance through the political perspective of the European country they represent. The participants are students attending post- secondary and first year tertiary educational institutions in Malta and Gozo.

The theme of this year’s session was ‘Creative Europe. Are EU programmes in culture and arts contributing to cultural diversity and the promotion of the arts within the member states?’ Speaker Anġlu Farrugia presided over this plenary session and also made the opening address, followed by an address by the special guest of the NSTF organizers Vice President of the European Parliament Jacek Protasiewicz. At the end of the session, the Speaker presented the Best Speaker’s Award to Francesca Zarb.

6.5 Sette Giugno

Each year the House of Representatives commemorates the Sette Giugno events which are considered to have been one of the first steps in the political process towards Malta’s independence from Britain and have contributed significantly to Malta’s parliamentary development. The victims of the uprisings of 7 June 1919 are commemorated in a ceremony held at the foot of the Sette Giugno monument which is located at the Hastings Gardens in Valletta. During the ceremony, the Speaker of the House, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition lay wreaths at the foot of the monument and the Speaker delivers a speech on the reinforcement of this parliamentary development. In this year’s speech on 6 June, Speaker Anġlu Farrugia spoke about the political situation that prevailed at the time of the riots of the Sette Giugno and about how these events were also linked to the language issue in Malta. These same events led to the granting of the 1921 Amery-Milner Constitution.

The Speaker also spoke about the work done by a Select Committee of the House established to make recommendations on the setting up of an Office and a Standing Committee on standards, ethics and proper behaviour in public life. As a result of the work of this Committee, the First Reading of a Bill on Standards in Public Life was moved by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Louis Grech on 20 May, and was seconded by Opposition Member Hon. Francis Zammit Dimech. In his address the Speaker also referred to the work done by an internal parliamentary commission on the administrative autonomy of the Maltese Parliament and to a number of initiatives intended to make the work of the House more accessible to the public.

6.6 Europe Day

On 12 May, for the first time, the House of Representatives marked the occasion of Europe Day which is celebrated on 9 May. The House Business Committee agreed to dedicate a part of the first sitting after this date to a short speech from both sides of the House.

Hon. Marthese Portelli, Opposition spokesperson for European affairs, spoke about the conditions prevailing in the 1950s that led to the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, which since then has evolved into the European Union of 28 Member States that we are familiar with today – a continent of peace, freedom, free trade and solidarity. Hon. Portelli also spoke about the various European funds, including how Malta has benefited from them over the years. She concluded that Europe is not only the ideal of the forefathers who conceived this idea but it is the reality and the future of today’s young people.

Speaking on behalf of the Government side, Hon. Ian Borg, Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds, spoke about the need not only to recall the history of the European Union, but also to look ahead at its future. He added that in its legislative programme, the European Union must move ahead within the limits of subsidiarity and proportionality. In conclusion Hon. Borg spoke about Malta’s Presidency of the Council in 2017, which will be a first for Malta, and should serve as an opportunity for all the Maltese people to unite and assert their ownership of Europe.

6.7 Youth Parliament

On 18 September the Maltese Parliament hosted the 2014 edition of the Youth Parliament which has become an annual event in the parliamentary calendar. This event is organised by the Kunsill Nazzjonali taż-Żgħażagħ (KNŻ) and brings together youths to form a policy on particular topics. These policies are then discussed and voted on in a simulated parliamentary sitting.

As in previous years the event was divided into two parts: the first part involving young people aged between 14 and 17 and the second part involving young people between the ages of 19 and 35.

The participants in the first session discussed motions on school examinations and streaming, measures intended to increase tourist arrivals in Malta and climate change. The participants in the second session discussed innovative methods for a more efficient transport system and drug decriminalisation.

This year’s session was chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ċensu Galea, and was attended by a number of MPs from both sides of the House.

6.8 Science in the House

Science in the House has also become an annual event organised by the Science in the City Consortium and hosted by the Maltese Parliament in its precincts. Science in the House is the opening event of the prestigious science festival Science in the City, European Researchers’ Night. The event celebrates and acknowledges the achievements of Maltese research scientists, academics and engineers. Science in the House serves as a forum for networking between Maltese research scientists, the House of Representatives and Members of Parliament.

The format of the 2014 edition of Science in the House was a poster exhibition by researchers showcasing research conducted at the University of Malta and elsewhere in Malta, for informal discussion with Members of Parliament. The opening ceremony was held in one of the parliamentary committee rooms on 25 September and was addressed by Deputy Speaker Hon. Ċensu Galea, Government Whip Hon. Carmelo Abela, University Rector Prof. Juanito Camilleri and Science in the City Lead Coordinator Prof. Alex Felice.

6.9 Notte Bianca

As in previous years, Parliament once again opened its doors to the public as part of the Notte Bianca activities organised in Valletta. On 4 October, members of the public, Maltese and foreigners alike, had the opportunity to tour the principal parliamentary chambers. After visiting the President’s chambers, visitors to the Palace viewed the committee rooms and the parliamentary Chamber where they had the opportunity to sit for a few moments in the Speaker’s chair and imagine what a typical parliamentary sitting would be like. Parliamentary staff members were on site in order to answer people’s questions and provide information on the work carried out by Parliament.

As in previous years, thousands of people visited the parliamentary chambers on this occasion, being the only time these rooms are open to the public for viewing.

6.10 Launch of the report by the Working Group on Diabetes

On 24 October Hon. Godfrey Farrugia, Chairman of the parliamentary working group on diabetes, and Hon. Simon Busuttil, Leader of the Opposition, presented the report Health Choices to Speaker

Anġlu Farrugia. The report describes the recommendations put forward by the 11 Members of Parliament from both sides of the House making up this working group. The aim of these recommendations is to explore ways in which the lives of those persons suffering from diabetes can be improved. Speaker Anġlu Farrugia praised the efforts of the working group which collectively addressed a problem that affects over 30,000 people in Malta and thousands of others who are still undiagnosed.

6.11 Conference on Women’s Political Participation in Malta

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia addressed the opening session of the Conference on Women’s Participation in Politics in Malta which was organised in the parliamentary committee room on 3 November, co-organised by the House of Representatives and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the National Commissioner for the Promotion of Equality and the National Council of Women. In the opening address Speaker Farrugia said that the participation of women in politics is a key indicator of the quality of democratic culture. He also said that gender sensitive Parliaments respond to the needs and interests of both men and women and are thus central to good parliamentary governance.

The Conference was also addressed by Hon. Helena Dalli, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Ms Renee Laiviera, National Commissioner for the Promotion of Equality, and Dr Nathalie Tagwerker, Deputy Head of ODIHR’s Democratisation Department.

6.12 Launch of the book ‘Nidħqu bina nfusna – politika bi tbissima’

On 14 November former Member and former EU Commissioner Tonio Borg launched his new book Nidħqu bina nfusna – politika bi tbissima (Laughing at ourselves – Politics with a smile) a collection of more than 100 humorous anecdotes of present and former Members from their political life. The book launch was held in the Tapestry Chamber in the Palace under the auspices of the Speaker of the House, who together with the author of the book and Judge Emeritus Giovanni Bonello introduced the book to the guests at this occasion.

6.13 Parliament for Persons with Disabilities

On Wednesday, 10 December, the 2014 session of the Parliament of Persons with Disability was opened by the Deputy Speaker Hon. Ċensu Galea in the parliamentary committee room. The theme of this year’s session was ‘My Decision, My Future’. Speeches were made by Mr Oliver Scicluna, Chairman of the Commission Persons with Disability, by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Simon Busuttil, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Hon. Justyne Caruana and the Opposition spokesman on Employment and Rights of Persons with Disability, Hon. Stephen Spiteri. Persons with disability who participated in the session had the opportunity to take part in the discussion. The closing speech of the activity was delivered by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Louis Grech.

This activity was supported by the Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS (2007-2013) of the European Union.

6.14 Exchange of New Year’s Greetings

In addition to the traditional exchange of New Year’s greetings at the offices of the President, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and with the eccelsiastical authorities, this year the

Speaker of the House, Hon. Anġlu Farrugia, together with Deputy Speaker Hon. Ċensu Galea and the Deputy Whips Hon. Deborah Schembri and Hon. Frederick Azzopardi, welcomed representatives of the constituted bodies, civil society and the general public on 31 December.

7. OBITUARIES

During 2014 the House expressed its grief:

 on 27 January at the death of Mr Wistin Abela, former Member of Parliament, who passed away on 20 January;

 on 15 July at the death of Mr Francis Bezzina Wettinger, former Member of Parliament, who passed away on 5 July; and

 on 13 October at the death of Dr Alexander Cachia Zammit, former Member of Parliament, who passed away on 30 July.

On 1 November 2005, in a resolution co-sponsored by 104 Member States, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared 27 January as Holocaust Remembrance Day. On 27 January the House marked the events of the Holocaust by observing a minute of silence after speeches made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. George Vella and by Hon. Mario de Marco.

The House also observed a minute of silence to remember the victims of the crash of Flight MH17 of Malaysia Airlines on 17 July flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur. The Speaker of the House also sent a letter of condolence to the Speaker of the Dutch Senate since one of the passengers who lost their life in this tragedy, Mr Willem Witteveen, was a member of the Dutch Senate.

Hon. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca presenting the letter of resignation from Member to the Clerk of the House, 1 April

Appointment of HE Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta, 4 April

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and a parliamentary delegation meet the President of the Hellenic Republic, HE Karolas Papoulias, 13 February

Presentation of the publication “Is-Sedja Titkellem”, a collection of rulings given by the Speaker, 16 April

Presentation of the report by a Parliamentary Working Group on Diabetes, 24 October

Address by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia on the occasion of the commemoration of the Sette Giugno, 6 June

Hon. Charles Mangion taking the oath of allegiance as Member of Parliament, 16 April

Hon. Joseph Farrugia taking the oath of allegiance as Member of Parliament, 10 November

24th Annual Session of the Mini European Assembly, 25 April

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia with participants of the 10th EkoSkola Parliamentary Session, 29 May

2014 edition of “Science in the House”, 25 September

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia and the two Whips meet the elected Members in the European Parliament, 9 June

Launch of the book “Nidħqu bina nfusna – politika bi tbissima”, in the Tapestry Chamber by Tonio Borg, 14 November

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia receives Members and representatives of the constituted bodies and civil society to exchange New Year’s greetings, 31 December

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT 12th Legislature

as on 31 December 2014

Speaker of the House of Representatives: Hon. Anġlu Farrugia

Partit Laburista (Government) Partit Nazzjonalista (Opposition)

Honourable Honourable

ACTIVITIES OF THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

14 January Courtesy call by HE Trevor Matheson, High Commissioner of New Zealand

28 January Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the Performance Audit Report: Addressing Social Benefit Fraud

28 January Courtesy call by HE Ayse Sezgin, Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey

29 January Courtesy call by HE Ali Bin Saad Ali Al-Kharij, Ambassador of the State of Qatar

31 January Courtesy call by HE Saeed Alkaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates

31 January Courtesy call by HE Shijeekhuu Odombaatar, Ambassador of Mongolia

31 January Courtesy call by HE Jahanbakhsh Mozafari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran

18 February Meeting with Hon. John Mann, Chair of the UK House of Commons All-Party Parliamentary Group against Anti-Semitism

22 February Speaker Anġlu Farrugia addresses the conference Kapaċità Mentali

24 February Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the publication IT Audit: Armed Forces of Malta

5 March Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the publication An Analysis of the Sourcing of Legal Services with respect to the Granting of Concessions to Operate Two Casinos

7 March Courtesy call by HE Lars-Hjalmar Wide, non-resident Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden

7 March Courtesy call by HE Lang Yabou, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of the Gambia

10 March Presentation of the report On the strengthening of the Ombudsman Institution – A proposal by the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman by the Ombudsman, Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino

12 March Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the Report on the Work and Activities of the National Audit Office – 2013

15 March Courtesy call by the Vice President of the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella

25 March Speaker Anġlu Farrugia addresses the XXII Commonwealth Auditors General Conference organised in Malta

28 March Presentation of the publication Is-Sedja Titkellem to Prime Minister Hon. Joseph Muscat and Leader of the Opposition Hon. Simon Busuttil

7 April Courtesy Call by the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Hon. Fabian Picardo and Hon. Albert Isola, Minister for Financial Services and Gaming, Gareth Flower, Chief of Staff for the Chief Minister’s Office, and UK Representative Albert Poggio

11 April Courtesy call on Deputy Speaker Hon. Ċensu Galea by the Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova

15 April Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the report An Analysis of WasteServ Malta Limited’s Procurement: A Case Study Perspective

15 April Courtesy call on HE Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President of the Republic of Malta

16 April Official launch of the publication Is-Sedja Titkellem

25 April Participation at the ANZAC Day Service of Rememberance

30 April Delegation of employees of the House of Representantives led by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia visits the exhibition ‘MALTA – The Great Story of a small Island- Nation through 100 Objects’

30 April Meeting with Dr Nathalie Tagwerker, Deputy Head of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the OSCE (ODIHR) Democratisation Department

30 April Farewell call by HE Saleh Mohammed Al Ghamdi, non-resident Ambassador of Saudi Arabia

9 May Speaker Anġlu Farrugia attends the first sitting of Judge Edwina Grima

2 June Farewell call by HE Anil Kumar Trigunayat, non-resident High Commissioner of India

Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the publication An investigation into the procurement of legal services by the Privatisation Unit between 2008 and 2013

9 June Courtesy call by the newly elected Maltese Members of the European Parliament David Casa, Therese Comodini Cachia, Miriam Dalli, Roberta Metsola and Marlene Mizzi

10 June Concert of the Soċjetà Filarmonika Madonna tal-Ġilju, Imqabba, held under the auspices of the Speaker Anġlu Farrugia

11 June Presentation of a medal commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Self Government in Malta to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia

13 June Courtesy call by Lt Gen. (retired) Javed Zia, High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

19 June Address by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia to the Ambassadors’ Circle

27 June Courtesy call by HE Stella Stingaci, Ambassador of Moldova

27 June Courtesy call by HE Sargis Ghazaryan, Ambassador of Armenia

8 July Petition presented by Dyslexia Dialogue Teens to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia

8 July Speaker Anġlu Farrugia leads a delegation of the House Business Committee to the site of the new Parliament building

14 July Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the Performance Audit Report Malta’s level of preparedness to deal with oil pollution at sea

18 July Farewell call by HE Felipe de la Morena, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain

18 July Farewell call by HE Souad Gueblaoui, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia

22 July Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the publication IT Audit: Employment and Training Corporation

12 August Presentation to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia of the book Mr Speaker: The Office and the Individuals since 1945 by its author, Matthew Laban

27 August Farewell call by HE Jim Hennessy, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland

9 September Presentation to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia of the book Urban Peregrines by its author Ed Drewitt

10 September Presentation to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia of the book Malta Pachino by its co- author Silvio Aliffi

15 September Presentation of the Ombudsplan 2015 by the Ombudsman, Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino

15 September Speaker Anġlu Farrugia leads a delegation of the House Business Committee to the site of the new Parliament building

29 September Courtesy call by HE Josè Pons, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain

29 September Courtesy call by HE Padraig Mac Coscair, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland

30 September Courtesy call by Frank Scicluna, Honorary Consul for Adelaide, Australia

30 September Courtesy call by the new police cadets

1 October Courtesy call by a delegation of CDU members of the Bundestag led by Peter Bleser

14 October Courtesy call by Waldemar Pawlak, former Prime Minister of Poland

15 October Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the publication Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools: Regularity Audit of Procurement

17 October Courtesy call by HE Bukurije Gjonbalaj, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo

17 October Courtesy call by HE Fernando Ayala, non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Chile

20 October Courtesy call by a delegation of the Organizzazzjoni Nisa Laburisti

22 October Courtesy call by a delegation of the Francesco Saverio Nitti Institute of Naples

24 October Presentation of the report Health Choices – Proposals of the Parliamentary Working Group on Diabetes Mellitus by the Working Group on Diabetes presided by Hon. Godfrey Farrugia and Leader of the Opposition Hon. Simon Busuttil followed by a press conference launching this report

27 October Courtesy call by Prime Minister Hon. Joseph Muscat and Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar concerning the initative to amend or revoke outdated pieces of legislation

14 November Courtesy call by HE Celia Kuningas Saagpakk, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia

14 November Courtesy call by HE Giancarlo Kessler, Ambassador of Switzerland

14 November Farewell call by HE Alexandros Rallis, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic

14 November Courtesy call by HE Artis Bertulis, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia

28 November Courtesy call by the High Commissioner of the Republic of Seychelles HE Marie Pierre Lloyd

28 November Courtesy call by the High Commissioner of Republic of India HE Azar A.H. Khan

1 December Meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan HE Vaqif Sadiqov

2 December Presentation of the Annual Report for 2013 of the Office of the Ombudsman and of the Case Notes 2013 (Edition 33) by the Ombudsman, Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino

2 December Presentation by the Auditor General Anthony Mifsud and the Deputy Auditor General Charles Deguara, of the publication The Workings of Local Government

3 December Address by the Speaker during the closing event of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of MEDAC

3 December Farewell call by HE Mr Michel Vandepoorter, Ambassador of the Republic of France

4 December Courtesy call by HE Mr Juan Sebastián Betancur Escobar, non-resident

Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia

4 December Courtesy call HE Mr Steve Vemunavi Katjiuanjo, non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Namibia

4 December Presentation of the second volume of the publication of the Office of the Speaker Is-Sedja Titkellem to the Prime Minister and to the Leader of the Opposition