A Bill on standards in public life debate, moved jointly by the government and Opposition, is to continue to be debated on 20 January, 2016, the House Business Committee agreed today.

The bill calls for a Commissioner for Standards in Public Life and a Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life.

The Bill had been moved for first reading by Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech and seconded by Nationalist MP Francis Zammit Dimech in  mid-2014.

The role of the Office of Commissioner and a Standing Committee on Standards in Public Life would be to report any breach of the code of ethics by Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and all those in positions of trust.

This is aimed at sending a very strong message to the highest institutions in order to respect the electorate which had put their faith in their elected representatives.

Dr Zammit Dimech had reminded the House that the original motion had been presented by the Leader of the Opposition because not all ministers and parliamentary secretaries had been declaring their assets accurately. The motion had also covered the employment of relatives in governmental roles.

Parliament to rise for Christmas recess on 16 December, to convene on 11 January 

Meanwhile, it was also agreed that parliament will rise for Christmas recess on 16 December and will convene on 11 January, 2016.