The two sides of the House of Representatives have agreed on the debates concerning the budget for 2016, with Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil to give his reaction on 19 October, while Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will reply on 20 October, Nationalist Party whip David Agius told The Malta Independent.

This will be followed up with six days of parliamentary sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening, starting on 21 October and continuing on 22, 23, 24 (a Saturday), 26 and 27, Mr Agius said.

It was initially thought that there would have been changes to the normal practice of having the Opposition Leader giving his reaction to the budget a week after it is presented because of other commitments. But the two sides finally came to an agreement on the way forward.