The House of Representatives yesterday rose for its summer recess. It will meet again on Wednesday 29 September.

Just before it rose, Speaker Michael Frendo gave the House some details about its work from January until yesterday. The House met for 78 sittings. It discussed 39 motions, including six private member bills, passed ten laws, of which a division was only requested on two while eight were approved in agreement by the two sides. 1,691 papers had been laid on the Table of the House. There were six ministerial statements, 15 decisions by the Chair, 70 speeches on the Adjournment.

The House in all its various committees debated for 417 hours and the website was accessed by 40,000 users.

Leader of the House Tonio Borg thanked the Speaker and wished all happy holidays. Although there had been some moments of tension, there have been no scenes such as we see elsewhere. As the details provided by the Speaker show, most of the work of Parliament is done by consensus.

Labour deputy leader Angelo Farrugia, also wishing happy holidays, urged reflection on the causes of friction over the past months.