Dr Gonzi explained that expenses within the health sector are to be discussed during a breakfast meeting planned for this morning.

This will help give the Maltese delegation an insight into how other member states deal with this sector.

For the first time, Malta will be taking part in discussions on EU financial perspectives, said Dr Gonzi.

The debates are preliminary and mostly deal with the period starting from 2006, he explained, and for the first time Malta can have an active role in them.

Until now, we have not been able to make suggestions that carried any weight but now we have this opportunity, continued the prime minister.

Dr Gonzi said that a discussion on the stability and growth pact is also on the cards.