Twenty-three people were found positive for HIV in tests that took place last year, Health Minister Louis Deguara told Labour MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

Irregular migrants cost country Lm13 every day

Every irregular migrant costs the country Lm13 a day, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Labour MP Silvio Parnis. The figures relate to 2006, the last full year to cost all relevant information.

MTA CEO

The chief executive officer at the Malta Tourism Authority receives a salary of Lm36,091 a year, plus the government bonus, a performance bonus and payment of mobile and fixed line phone. He is expected to work 40 hours a week but it is common for him to work far more than that. His role is to keep contact with all employees at MTA on every level, from managerial to clerical and below. Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech was replying to Labour MP Evarist Bartolo.

Party at Paradise Bay allowed

Permission has been given for a musical festival to be held at Paradise Bay, despite the fact that the area is a special conservation area and is also the breeding ground for some birds.

Environment Minister George Pullicino told Labour MP Adrian Vassallo that the permit had been given as the breeding ground is more than a mile away from the bay. The birds that breed there are not listed, and strict conditions have been imposed on the organisers regarding the lighting and sound that is used, etc.

Dr Vassallo had also pointed out that the party will be held during the breeding season, but the minister did not respond to this point.

Open top buses from July

Two open top bus routes have been approved and will become operational in July, Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Labour MP Helena Dalli.