235 cases of MRSA at St Luke’s reported in eight months
Replying to a question from Labour MP Michael Farrugia, Health Minister Louis Deguara said yesterday that a total of 235 cases of MRSA in various wards at St Luke’s Hospital had been reported in the first eight months of the year.
He said that where possible, patients with MRSA are transferred to a special ward which only has 14 beds. He said it is therefore up to the Infection Control Unit to decided who should be given priority.
In both January and February 35 cases were reported. Another 30 were reported in March, 27 in April, 25 in May, 22 in June, 32 in July and 29 in August.
43 under house arrest...13 charged with public indecency
Since the beginning of the year, 43 people have been placed under house arrest and 13 people have been charged with public indecency, said Justice Minister Tonio Borg yesterday.
Dr Borg said the people who have been placed under house arrest are facing criminal proceedings for a variety of crimes including murder, theft, bodily harm and drug-related crimes.
Regarding the 13 people who have so far been charged with public indecency, Dr Borg said they are aged between 20 and 67 years. One of them is female.
Drydocks wins multi-million dollar contract
The Malta Drydocks has won a multi-million dollar contract to convert a cruiseliner, Investments and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt told parliament last night.
Dr Gatt was replying to a supplementary question from Nationalist Party MP Jason Azzopardi who asked the Minister to confirm whether the Malta Drydocks had won an important contract.
Dr Gatt said he could confirm that the company had won this multi-million dollar contract but could not disclose any more information. He said the cruiseliner is expected to arrive in Malta in November.
Police carry out 70 breathalyser tests
The police carried out 70 breathalyser tests between January and August this year with just over half of them testing positive for alcohol.
Justice Minister Tonio Borg told Labour MP Carmelo Abela that the rest of the 70 had either refused to take the test, tested negative or else the test could not be completed.
1,320 EU nationals working in Malta
A total of 1,320 European Union nationals have been granted permission to work in Malta, Justice Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
Replying to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Adrian Vassallo, Dr Borg gave details of EU nationals presently working in Malta. Most of the group (506) hail from the United Kingdom, followed by 159 from Germany, 148 from Italy and 84 from Sweden.
185 cases of meningitis since 1999
Between 1999 and August this year, 185 cases of meningitis were reported and the virus had been the cause of a total of 17 deaths, said Health Minister Louis Deguara yesterday.
Replying to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Chris Agius, Dr Deguara said 10 of the 185 were non-residents.
235 cases of MRSA at St Luke’s reported in eight months
Replying to a question from Labour MP Michael Farrugia, Health Minister Louis Deguara said yesterday that a total of 235 cases of MRSA in various wards at St Luke’s Hospital had been reported in the first eight months of the year.
He said that where possible, patients with MRSA are transferred to a special ward which only has 14 beds. He said it is therefore up to the Infection Control Unit to decided who should be given priority.
In both January and February 35 cases were reported. Another 30 were reported in March, 27 in April, 25 in May, 22 in June, 32 in July and 29 in August.
43 under house arrest...13 charged with public indecency
Since the beginning of the year, 43 people have been placed under house arrest and 13 people have been charged with public indecency, said Justice Minister Tonio Borg yesterday.
Dr Borg said the people who have been placed under house arrest are facing criminal proceedings for a variety of crimes including murder, theft, bodily harm and drug-related crimes.
Regarding the 13 people who have so far been charged with public indecency, Dr Borg said they are aged between 20 and 67 years. One of them is female.
Drydocks wins multi-million dollar contract
The Malta Drydocks has won a multi-million dollar contract to convert a cruiseliner, Investments and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt told parliament last night.
Dr Gatt was replying to a supplementary question from Nationalist Party MP Jason Azzopardi who asked the Minister to confirm whether the Malta Drydocks had won an important contract.
Dr Gatt said he could confirm that the company had won this multi-million dollar contract but could not disclose any more information. He said the cruiseliner is expected to arrive in Malta in November.
Police carry out 70 breathalyser tests
The police carried out 70 breathalyser tests between January and August this year with just over half of them testing positive for alcohol.
Justice Minister Tonio Borg told Labour MP Carmelo Abela that the rest of the 70 had either refused to take the test, tested negative or else the test could not be completed.
1,320 EU nationals working in Malta
A total of 1,320 European Union nationals have been granted permission to work in Malta, Justice Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
Replying to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Adrian Vassallo, Dr Borg gave details of EU nationals presently working in Malta. Most of the group (506) hail from the United Kingdom, followed by 159 from Germany, 148 from Italy and 84 from Sweden.
185 cases of meningitis since 1999
Between 1999 and August this year, 185 cases of meningitis were reported and the virus had been the cause of a total of 17 deaths, said Health Minister Louis Deguara yesterday.
Replying to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Chris Agius, Dr Deguara said 10 of the 185 were non-residents.MLP MP Anglu Farrugia addressed the house regarding the bill. Dr Farrugia made the point that lawyers already often acted as mediators. It would not be fair if the government gave the impression that it does not believe lawyers are good mediators.
He mentioned a case when a mediator told one of the parties, brought before her for mediation, that there was no need for the client’s lawyer to be present during the mediation process. Dr Farrugia said that there should not be cases such as these where a mediator takes such adventurous liberties.
When the government introduced the legal notices whereby in cases of separation mediation was made mandatory, the opposition had warned this would not work, Dr Farrugia said, adding that time has proven them right.
Dr Farrugia spoke of the problems with the legal system in general. He asked whether there are any statistics of the success rate of mediation, adding that the information he had was that the rate was very low and these were usually cases when the problem was new. He reiterated that a voluntary mediation facility was probably positive but insisted that it should be voluntary.
Dr Farrugia stated that the Labour party was in favour of the bill although he also thought that there were a number of issues that should be discussed carefully.
Labour MP Josè Herrera said that the Labour Party was not against mediation or arbitration but was against the rash introduction of these measures. He said that the Mediation Bill presented by the government was better than the bills related to the area presented before.
Referring to a particular passage of the bill, Dr Herrera said that the bill should be clear about which cases can be stopped and brought before the Mediation Centre, adding that the way the bill was scripted could mean that any case may be brought before a range of boards including, for example, the Mepa board.
He said that Parliamentary Secretary Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici seemed to be obsessed with the idea of devolving the court into a multitude of boards and centres spread across Malta. He said that this trend did not make sense as lawyers could not keep up with all these places and therefore limited the public’s choice of legal advisor because their attorney could not attend to their case.
He criticised mediators and said that with the present six-month-long course they were given, mediators were not qualified to mediate, especially in legal cases. Discussions on the bill will continue today.
Speaker rejects opposition motion
on urgent discussion of Forensic Lab
The Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday denied an opposition motion requesting an urgent debate on the situation at the Forensic Laboratory.
The opposition motion, by Gavin Gulia and Angelo Farrugia, proposed the suspension of the House’s ordinary business and a debate on the situation at the laboratory as an urgent issue.
The Speaker however ruled that once the lab has been closed and non-functioning for over a month, there is no urgency in discussing the matter as the opposition was requesting.
He however urged an early debate on the matter.
The opposition’s motion referred to the closing by the Health and Safety Authority of the forensic lab at Evans Laboratory. This closure is badly affecting the administration of justice in the country as well as Police investigations. There is also the risk that evidence and exhibits in criminal cases be tainted to the detriment of the procedure of justice itself.
The motion claimed it was government intransigence that led to this state of affairs and no minister has assumed responsibility for the administration of the lab.
Replying on behalf of government, Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said that government is already cognisant of the situation and is taking all possible measures to remedy it. The opposition has other procedural methods it can use, rather than block Parliament’s workings but it is unfair for the opposition to raise this matter on a day when both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime minister are away on government business.
Dr Gulia replied that while minister Austin Gatt has been saying that the responsibility for the management of the lab is not within his remit, now even Dr Tonio Borg, in a parliamentary reply given on Monday, did not assume responsibility for the lab. This shows, Dr Gulia said, that government is not bothering whether the Courts function or not.
Dr Farrugia added that yesterday morning Magistrate Antonio Vella gave the authorities three days to solve this crisis and warned there is a danger that proofs be contaminated.
Dr Zammit Dimech said that it is clear the opposition’s definition of a crisis does not really reflect what a crisis should be.
After around half an hour, the Speaker gave his ruling: when the Chair considers the urgency of an issue it must look not just into whether the matter is urgent but also whether it is so urgent that the House must debate the issue that very same moment.
Decrease in car registrations
A reply by Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett would seem to indicate that the number of car registrations in Malta has decreased over the recent years.
While 3,715 cars up to 1300cc were registered in 2000, only 2,423 were registered last year and 994 have been registered so far this year.
Similarly, while 2,233 were registered in the 1301cc to 1449cc class in 2000, only 1,531 were registered last year and 548 so far this year.
In the 1801cc to 2000cc class, while 2,902 were registered in 2000 only 735 were registered last year and 296 so far this year.
However in the over 2001cc class, while 303 cars were registered in 2000, 36 were registered last year and 103 so far this year.
Mr Mugliett was answering Chris Agius.
Um el Faroud agreement
As a result of the agreement signed on 31 March between the Government of Malta, on behalf of the Malta Drydocks and Malta Shipbuilding, and the Libyan company GNMTC, the Government of Malta assumed responsibility for any damages which the Maltese Courts could decide in favour of the families of the workers who died on the ship Um el Faroud ten years ago.
Subsequently government authorised lawyers to try and come to an unofficial agreement (bonarju) with the families of the victims, so that the law action would not have to be continued.
Agreement has been reached on eight cases while negotiations are still ongoing on seven other cases, Investment Minister Austin Gatt told Chris Agius.
A wet method
Methode, the enterprise with a facility at Mriehel was offered two sites at Mriehel so that it can extend its operations. One of the sites it was offered used to be the site of the WET enterprise.
However when this site was examined by the Malta Industrial Parks people, they found serious structural problems in the building. It is now being considered whether the factory should be pulled down and rebuilt or just repaired, Industry Minister Austin Gatt told Jason Azzopardi.
No Snowflakes for winter
Snowflake, the low cost airline of SAS, will be ceasing its flights to all its destinations at the end of this month.
This decision will also affect the flights by the airline to Malta, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech told Leo Brincat.
Satellite TV station idea
Foreign Minister Michael Frendo confirmed to Leo Brincat that when his predecessor, John Dalli, visited Libya last June, he suggested that Voice of the Mediterranean be reactivated and developed as a television station beaming to all the Mediterranean.
MCST chairman
Peter Diacono has resigned from his post of chairman of the Malta Council for Science and Technology, Education Minister told Carmelo Abela.
Lm129m already spent on Mater Dei
Lm129,263,246 have been spent since 1993 on the Mater Dei Hospital, including all payments made before the signing of the Design and Build agreement signed with Skanska in 2000, and also including payments made for medical equipment and consultancies, Health Minister Louis Deguara told Chris Agius.
St George’s Bay
The upgrading of St George’s Bay has cost Lm375,000 so far, including Lm239,000 for the importation of sand from Jordan and its transportation to Malta.
Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech was replying to Franco Galea.
He added this was the first beach replenishment project carried out in Malta. MTA took over the beach management during the summer months.
Work on the second phase of the project will begin shortly.
White taxi permits
A decision regarding increasing the permits for more white taxis will be taken on conclusion of a study on the taxi system, Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Silvio Parnis.
At present, the minister added, the Transport Authority is not considering increasing the existing number of taxis.
Elderly’s
contributions
While in 1995 the contribution paid by the elderly residents at St Vincent de Paule Residence to the hospital’s Welfare Committee amounted to just Lm821,000 they rose to Lm2.2 million last year.
Health Minister Louis Deguara was replying to Michael Farrugia.
No appeal accepted
The Immigration Appeals Board considered 11 appeals from deportees but did not accept any of them, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Jason Azzopardi.
Visas to Chinese
A total of 1,668 visas were issued to Chinese nationals to enter Malta from the beginning of this year, Dr Tonio Borg told Jason Azzopardi.
Of a total of 119,631 MWh, 104,412 MWh goes to run the reverse osmosis plants and 13,219 MWh goes to extract ground water.
Resources Minister Ninu Zammit was replying to Jason Azzopardi.
60 on prostitution charges
A total of 60 persons have been arraigned between January and September this year and charged with prostitution crimes. Some of those arraigned were repeaters, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Jason Azzopardi.
Change of policy at Foreign Ministry
Foreign Minister Michael Frendo yesterday signified a change in policy regarding the purchase of air tickets by his ministry.
Ever since he became minister, he told Leo Brincat, all air tickets have been purchased from Air Malta.
Former minister John Dalli had been criticised for his ministry’s purchase of air tickets from a company in which, it was alleged, members of his family had or had had interest. It had also been claimed that this was a way to get tickets cheaper and more efficiently than directly from Air Malta.
Dublin embassy hires its furniture
In the same year that government spent Lm9 million to purchase the Brussels embassy, it did not have enough money to purchase furniture for its embassy in Dublin, Leo Brincat claimed yesterday.
Replying to his question, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo confirmed that until funds are provided for the purchase of furniture for the embassy, the necessary authorisation to hire this furniture was provided.
Mr Brincat claimed this furniture is being hired at E800 a month.
Sexual harassment claim at Maltese embassy in Australia
A generic claim of sexual harassment was made by a former locally engaged staff member of the Maltese embassy in Australia.
Confirming that this allegation was made, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo said the claim had been a generic one and to date the person who made the claim had not produced any tangible evidence to sustain the claim.
Mr Brincat had said, in his question, that this former staff member has been sacked over the past weeks.
Only one application for swimming pool at Mdina
From 1 January 1999 to date there has been only one application for a swimming pool at Mdina, Environment Minister George Pullicino told Leo Brincat.
From the reference number given by the minister (PA 6336/2002) it would seem this is the one and same swimming pool for Richard Cachia Caruana’s residence.
Confidentiality agreement
There is a confidentiality agreement between the government and Lehman Brothers which rules out revelation of the fee structure agreed upon by government and Lehman Brothers for work on the Maltacom privatisation, Investments Minister Austin Gatt told Leo Brincat.
Maltese diplomat in Libya
Leo Brincat asked the foreign minister to confirm or deny claims that a person posted to the Maltese embassy in Libya wrote articles against the Libyan authorities in the past. Mr Brincat also claimed that this person has been called back to Malta after protests by the Libyan government.
In his reply, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo said his ministry has no knowledge of any person in the Maltese embassy in Libya who has written articles against the Libyan authorities in the past.
He is also informed there is no one at the Maltese embassy in Libya who does not have a diplomatic passport.
Dock Number One
The Cabinet committee on national projects has approved the Development Brief for the development of Dock Number One at the dockyard, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Chris Agius. Next, Mepa is expected to formally approve the brief and to hold public consultations. After this, the Urban Development ministry will issue an international call for proposals.
One hour each way
The agreement between the school transport contractor and the Education Division regarding the transportation of children to and from school states that the contractor binds himself not to collect children more than an hour before their lessons start and to take them back home not more than an hour after school ends.
Education Minister Louis Galea was replying to Carmelo Abela.
The minister also handed out a circular, dated 22 September, to all heads of school, which states that “heads of school can utilise the services of up to a maximum of three supervisors daily. Morning supervision is 30 minutes before school starts while requests for after school supervision are acceded to only if transport is provided later than 15 minutes after school ends.”
Factories
There are 86 factories at the Bulebel industrial estate, servicing 82 companies while there are 84 factories at the Marsa Industrial Estate servicing 80 companies.
Industry Minister Austin Gat also told Chris Agius that there are 72 factories at Corradino, servicing 68 companies, 31 factories at Ricasoli servicing 26 companies, 23 factories at Mosta, servicing 21 companies and 18 factories at Xewkija, servicing 15 companies.
Not paid for EU Accession overtime
The Tourism Ministry workers who worked so hard for the celebrations when Malta joined the EU on 1 May have still not been paid for the overtime they did.
Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech yesterday promised Chris Agius they will be paid in a short while.
Solar water heaters should be obligatory
Solar water heaters should be made obligatory, Resources Minister Ninu Zammit said yesterday.
He was replying to a Joe Mizzi question on the government’s policy as regards alternative sources of energy.
Mr Zammit said solar energy technology was still at a research stage. As for wind energy, this has raised question both as regards aesthetics and as regards the noise made by wind farms.
The policy as regards alternative sources of energy is being drawn up.
Black dust ‘reappears’
The black dust which seems to have come from the Marsa Power Station chimneys has returned, Joe Mizzi claimed in Parliament yesterday.
Investments Minister Austin Gat said he will investigate.
As regards the fuel used by the power stations, Dr Gat said this is up to EU standards, even though it costs more and has thus placed a further burden on Enemalta.
EU standards will also necessitate the changing of some equipment at Marsa and additional precipitators to ward off against the black dust.
Opposition motion on forensic lab
Undaunted by the Speaker’s rejection of a motion of urgency submitted on Tuesday, Opposition members Gavin Gulia and Anglu Farrugia yesterday tabled a motion that the House debates the issue as son as possible “in the best interest of justice and security in Malta.”
The figures he gave showed that the most popular course, chosen by 640 applicants, was the course on commerce and entrepreneurship, and the second and third most popular courses were those of community services and communication and information technology.
Of the 2,702 applicants, 1,488 were male and 1,204 were female.
No special fund
There is no special fund which can be used to compensate a government employee who is assaulted while on duty, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
Replying to a question from Labour MP Jose Herrera, Dr Borg said the government had no special fund from which it could compensate its employees who are assaulted while on duty. Asked what rights the employee has, Dr Borg said the employee has the right to institute civil proceedings against the person or people responsible for the assault.
14.6kg of cannabis resin and 288 cannabis plants seized so far
The police has seized 288 cannabis plants and more than 14.6 kilogrammes of cannabis resin since the beginning of the year, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
Dr Borg said that that between January and August, the police seized 107.64 grammes of cocaine, 674.850 grammes of heroin, 14.63 kilogrammes of cannabis resin, 2.5 kilogrammes of cannabis grass, 2,281 cannabis seeds, seven cannabis joints, nearly 850 ecstasy pills and 69.4 grammes of amphetamine.
Dr Borg was replying to a question asked by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.
20,000 fines for illegal parking
Between January and August this year, the police have issued nearly 20,000 fines to motorists whose cars were parked illegally, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
Replying to a question asked by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi, Dr Borg said the police issued 19,909 fines for illegal parking during the first eight months this year. Last year, he said, the police issued 21,774 fines for the same contravention.
Nearly 900 fined for over-speeding
During the first eight months this year, the police fined nearly 900 drivers for over-speeding, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday. Dr Borg was replying to a question from Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.
Youngest suicide victim was 17
The youngest person to commit suicide this year was 17 years old while the eldest one was 84, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
Dr Borg said 20 people had committed suicide between January and August this year. He was replying to a question asked by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.
Nine charged with money laundering
Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday that nine people have been charged with money laundering since the law against this crime was introduced. Dr Borg was replying to a question asked by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.
Nearly 100 charged with drug trafficking
In reply to a question asked by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday that nearly 100 people have been charged with drug trafficking offences between January and August this year.
Seven councils with a deficit
There were seven councils which finished the 2003-2004 financial year with a deficit, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
Three of these councils were Gozitan.
Dr Borg said the council with the largest deficit in its working capital was Swieqi council, which went over its budget by Lm14,342. This amount was followed by the Victoria council with a deficit of Lm12,605. Other councils which had a deficit at the end of the financial year were St Paul’s Bay council (Lm10,761), Vittoriosa council (Lm6,727), Pembroke council (Lm5,416), Xewkija council (Lm2,254) and Ghasri council, with a deficit of Lm1,518.
Dr Borg was replying to a question asked by Labour MP Adrian Vassallo.
Tourists spent three per cent more in August this year
In August this year 162,910 tourists left Malta by air as compared to the 157,670 who left in August 2003. There was a three per cent rise in their expenditure, said Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech yesterday.
While answering a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP David Agius, the minister said in August this year, tourists spent Lm73,374,334 while they spent Lm71,047,694 in the same month last year.
These figures show a three per cent increase, said Dr Zammit Dimech.
Twelve prisoners under 20 years of age – youngest aged 15
There are currently 12 inmates at the Corradino Correctional Facility who are under 20 years of age, one of whom is accused of murder, said Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg.
The minister was answering a parliamentary question made by Labour MP Adrian Vassallo. The youngest of the inmates is 15 and was convicted for aggravated theft while the most serious case is an 18-year-old being accused of homicide.
The minister said an 18-year-old is currently in prison for rape while two 19-year-olds and another 18-year-old were convicted for drug possession and trafficking.
Nearly 6,600 promises of sale
Nearly 6,600 promises of sale (konvenji) were registered since the 2003 budget and Lm6,070,500 was the highest proposed sum, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.
He was answering a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.
MV Doulos applies for licence to hold book fair
The agents of the MV Doulos, the boat that sells books, have submitted an application for a licence to hold a book fair when the ship docks in the Maltese harbour, said Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea.
The minister was answering a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi who inquired whether the MV Doulos will be allowed to sell books once it comes to Malta later in the year.
Mr Galea explained the ship’s agents applied for a licence to hold a book fair when the boat visits Malta in December.
The application will be approved as long as the applicant abides by conditions imposed by the Licence Division, said the minister.
Lm2,104,739 in pending fines over six years
From August 1999 till the same month this year, the Criminal and Magistrates’ Courts registered Lm2,104,739 in pending fines.
When answering a parliamentary question regarding pending fines, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg gave a break down of the amount left pending each year.
In 2000 the least amount of money due was registered at Lm74,884. On the other hand 2004 clocked up the largest amount of money due in pending fines at Lm1,035,448.
284 shotgun licences issued this year
Nearly 750 new weapon licences were issued this year, 284 of which were for shotguns, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
In an answer to a parliamentary question by Labour MP Adrian Vassallo, Dr Borg said 745 new weapon licences were issued this year: 192 for harpoons, 102 for air rifles, 104 for air pistols, 15 for rifles and small numbers for other firearms.
2,179 unmarried mothers collect children’s allowance
According to social security records there are currently 2,179 unmarried mothers in Malta and Gozo receiving children’s allowance, said Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina yesterday.
The minister said this while answering a parliamentary question by Labour MP Adrian Vassallo. Dr Vassallo also asked the ages of these unmarried mothers, but since age is not part of the criteria to receive children’s allowance, Minister Cristina said the department does not keep statistics of this information.
209 Maltese marry foreigners
Almost half of the 418 civil marriages that took place in the first seven months of the year were between a Maltese citizen and a foreigner.
Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said this when answering a parliamentary question posed by Labour MP Adrian Vassallo.
The minister listed the places of origin of the foreigners Maltese citizens married this year. Apart from the more common places like Ireland, the United States and England, these foreigners arrived from countries like Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Azerbaijan.
44 minors charged in court this year
This year 44 minors were taken to court and charged with various crimes ranging from breaching the peace to drug possession and trafficking, said Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg yesterday.
While answering a parliamentary question by Labour MP Adrian Vassallo Dr Borg said that 44 under-18s were charged in court this year. The list of crimes also included causing injury and threatening, theft, firearm and stolen goods possession, driving without a licence, causing slight and serious injury and offending personal morals.
149,000 birds caught
A total of 149,000 birds were caught in Malta in 2002, according to the Carnet de Chasse.
The highest number of them, 28,000, were gamiem (turtle doves), while 24,000 were malvizz (song thrushes).
Rural Affairs minister George Pullicino was replying to Adrian Vassallo.
K-plate and Y-plate use
There is a suspicion that K-plates and Y-plates are being used illegally, Transport Minister confirmed to Jason Azzopardi. Two weeks ago, he added, ADT had begun an investigation into the matter.
Richard Cachia Caruana
Leo Brincat asked the Foreign Minister to confirm that Malta’s representative in Brussels, Richard Cachia Caruana, has the security complement in Brussels he used to have in Malta.
Dr Frendo replied that a reply cannot be given in public for security reasons.
Six rapes
A total of six alleged rapes and 31 alleged cases of indecent attempt have been reported to the police between January and September this year, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Adrian Vassallo.
Unpaid policemen
The football authorities have to pay Lm6,000 to 84 members of the police force for extra duty in connection with football matches from July last year.
This ongoing delay by the football authorities, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Carmelo Abela, is resulting in only one-third of the police that are necessary being sent to football games.
Road percentages
Thirty per cent of the work in connection with the road from Targa Gap to Tal-Qlejgha Junction and the Mtarfa Junction under the Italian Protocol has been completed so far, Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Charles Buhagiar. Work on this segment started on 8 June.
Fifteen per cent of the work on the road from the Mtarfa Junction to the De Rohan Junction and the road leading to Siggiewi has been completed so far.
Only 10 per cent of the road from Luqa Road in Qormi to the junction for the Air Terminal at Luqa has been completed, the minister said. A total of Lm846,000, Lm248,000 and Lm356,000 respectively has been paid so far.
Dr Sant suggests a statue
In yesterday’s written parliamentary questions, Jason Azzopardi suggested a bust of Pope Pius V in Valletta.
In fact, a bust already existed and for centuries graced King’s Gate. It was removed when City Gate was changed and was moved from here to there, with its last place of rest being, it is believed, Valletta local council.
Minister Louis Galea replied that the question should be addressed to the minister responsible for cultural heritage.
Rising for a supplementary question, leader of the opposition Alfred Sant suggested a bust of Pope Peter I.
There is a certain distance from the press bench to where the leader of the opposition was standing, and the lighting is not that good, but it appeared very much as if Dr Sant had his tongue in his cheek.
Dr Galea, equally suave, replied that the suggestion will be forwarded to the Committee for Busts and Plaques.
Kindergarten children taken to school in open buses
While Rabat kindergarten children were previously driven to school in mini-buses, they were subsequently taken in full buses, some of which had open doors, Education Minister Louis Galea confirmed to Evarist Bartolo.
The kindergarten children on the bus used to be with children attending the primary school.
This has now been changed and the children are being taken to school by closed buses.
Cars for sale
The police will be taking action to stop auto-dealers from parking their cars with cardboard notices on them indicating that the car in question is for sale, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Roderick Galdes.
Intake in Madre Teresa College
While the usual intake in the Madre Teresa College for the Diploma course in Nursing used to be 120, this has now been cut to 30.
Education Minister Louis Galea told Evarist Bartolo that the Institute of Health Care decided to cut down on the intake in view of the large number of students at IHC (550) as well as the academic advice it was given by the
external examiners as regards staff-students ratios and the available placements.
The minister denied that the
students had not been forewarned.
218 pharmacies and 337 pending applications
There are 214 licensed pharmacies in Malta and Gozo, eight of which are veterinary pharmacies. There are also 337 new applications for pharmacies, Health Minister Louis Deguara told Dr Vassallo.
78 breathalysed
A total of 78 drivers were asked to take a breathalyser between January and September this year.
Thirty-six were positive, while 42 either refused to do the test or the test was not complete.
Criminal proceedings are being taken with regard to the 78, Dr Tonio Borg told Dr Vassallo.
877 on speed charges
A total of 877 people are facing charges of driving at excessive speed during the period January to September, Dr Tonio Borg told Dr Vassallo.
Young people not allowed to register
Opposition leader Alfred Sant claimed yesterday that a number of young people who work what he called “irregular jobs” were being hindered by their former employers and by ETC from registering as unemployed.
It took some time for Minister Louis Galea and Dr Sant to come to an understanding that they were each talking about the same thing.
Dr Sant explained that the young people would be working for two or three weeks in an irregular job, after which they are sacked. Their former employers, however, then neglected to forward to ETC the necessary details about them, so these young people, many of whom, Dr Sant added, have limited reading skills, are not allowed by the ETC to register on Part One of the unemployment
register.
Dr Galea said the ETC has no intention of blocking anyone from registering as unemployed and promised to investigate this complaint.
Double taxation discussions
A double taxation agreement between Malta and the United States was discussed when former Foreign Minister John Dalli met US Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Discussions between the two countries on this issue are continuing, Foreign Minister Michael Frendo told Leo Brincat. The last double taxation agreement to be signed was with Iceland in September. This will have a positive impact on Icelandic companies with investments in Malta.11 applications for high-rise buildings
There are 11 pending applications before the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for the development of high-rise buildings, Environment Minister George Pullicino said.
Replying to a question from Nationalist Party MP Jason Azzopardi, Mr Pullicino said these applications were submitted between 28 April 1999 and 13 July 2004.
Fines issued by local wardens
In the first eight months this year, local wardens handed out a total of 202,369 fines, Justice Minister Tonio Borg said.
Just over 53 per cent of them – 107,933 fines – were handed out for several reasons including drivers wearing headphones, reckless driving, cars with ineffective silencers and cars releasing excessive exhaust, among other contraventions.
A total of 25,399 fines were handed out to drivers whose cars did not have the road licence affixed to the windscreen; 18,275 fines were issued against drivers who parked their cars on a double yellow line; 10,129 drivers were fined for parking within five metres of a corner; 9,503 drivers were fines for failing to wear a seat belt; 8,883 drivers were fined for parking their cars in a restricted parking space while 6,777 drivers were fined for parking their cars on a pavement; 7,169 drivers were fined for parking their cars under a no parking sign and 8,251 drivers were fined for breaching a one way sign.
Lm13,000 a year for PM’s advisors
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has three advisors who work on a part-time basis. The advisors are paid just over Lm13,000 a year between them.
Replying to a question from Labour MP Adrian Vassallo, Dr Gonzi said two of the advisors are advisors of the Prime Minister’s Office while the third is the advisor of the Finance Ministry, which also falls under the jurisdiction of Dr Gonzi.
One of the advisors to the OPM works 20 hours a week while the other works 10 hours a week. The third advisor works 30 hours a week. On an annual basis, one of the advisors receives Lm4,219 plus Lm940 in allowances, the other receives Lm1,500 and the third receives Lm6,600.
Abuses in social security services
There have been 109 cases of abuses in social security benefits since the beginning of the year, Family and Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said yesterday.These amount to a total of Lm107,086.
In 2002, there were 811 cases of abuses in the social security system amounting to Lm739,808, while a total of 646 cases of abuses which amount to around Lm390,000 were reported in 2003.
Mrs Cristina was replying to a question from Nationalist Party MP Jason Azzopardi.
108 police cars involved in traffic accidents
108 police cars were involved in traffic accidents, Justice Minister Tonio Borg said.
He explained that in 64 of the traffic accidents, the police were not to blame. The cost to repair the cars involved in the other accidents amounted to Lm9,700.
In a separate parliamentary question, Dr Borg said there were 11 policemen who were injured while they were arresting people or controlling groups of people. There were another 37 policemen who were injured following traffic accidents.
Book Fair expenses
The cost to organize the book fair in 2003 was Lm20,800 of which Lm10,000 were paid by the government, Education Minister Louis Galea said yesterday.
He explained that in 2001, it cost Lm20,389 to organize the fair while in 2002 it cost Lm18,456. In each of these two years, the government paid Lm8,000 of the expenses.
Dr Galea was replying to a question from Labour MP Carmelo Abela.
Lm221,000 in performance bonuses
Government employees, including the Police Force and the Armed Forces received Lm221,423 in performance bonuses in 2003, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said.
Dr Gonzi was replying to a question by Labour MP Adrian Vassallo.
305 new hunting permits
A total of 305 new hunting permits were issued this year, Justice Minister Tonio Borg said.
Environment wardens
The environment wardens will begin working in the first four months of next year, Environment Minister George Pullicino told Jason Azzopardi.
The need for such wardens has long been felt. This matter has been discussed by Cabinet which agreed on higher fines for loitering and dumping. Talks regarding details on the implementation are now being held with the association of local councils.
Fine defaulters rule
You would think the major number of people in prison are there because they stole or killed? Think again.
The highest number of people who were sentenced to prison this year (60) are persons who failed to pay a fine. Thefts (50) come after that.
The next category is equally surprising: 18 were sentenced to prison because they failed to maintain their wife.
Justice Minister Tonio Borg was replying to Adrian Vassallo.
Dumped waste
The Public Cleansing Services Department carried away 5,700 tons of waste which had been dumped illegally in the first seven months of this year, Resources Minister Nino Zammit told Jason Azzopardi.
In another reply, Mr Zammit said most anonymous reports on illegal dumping come in through the Freephone, while a slightly smaller amount comes in through emails.
Private functions at historic places
Heritage Malta plans to earn some Lm8,000 this year from renting out historic places for private functions, Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech told Jason Azzopardi.
There are four places which can be so used|: Palazzo Vilhena, the Maritime Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace and the Museum of Archaeology.
Such places could be rented for wedding receptions.
Less industrial action
There were 94 industrial; disputes registered during last year and eight industrial; actions. So far this year there have been only 46 industrial disputes and four industrial actions.
Minister Louis Galea was replying to Jason Azzopardi.
Embassies being closed down
Foreign Minister Michael Frendo confirmed his ministry is preparing for a rationalisation of Maltese diplomatic presence abroad.
He was replying to a parliamentary question by Leo Brincat who asked if it is true that government is considering closing down the embassies of Dublin, The Hague, Budapest and Stockholm.
Dr Frendo said the decisions regarding the opening or closing of embassies will be announced when taken.
Pelican lights on the Naxxar ByPass
Three pelican lights will be placed in the newly-constructed Naxxar ByPass, Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Michael Farrugia.
They will be next to Triq ir-Rixtellu, Triq Sir H Scicluna, and between Triq G Sandys and Triq Prof. Arbery. ADT is also considering a fourth pelican light near Triq l-Imnarja.
Repatriated illegal immigrants
A total of 586 persons were repatriated after being found to be illegally in Malta, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Robert Arrigo.
Nearly 6,000 appeals of Mepa decisions
Since it was set up, the Appeals Board of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority received 5,925 appeals, Environment Minister said yesterday.
Of these, he said, 4,986 have already been decided upon.
Mr Pullicino was replying to a question from Labour MP Roderick Galdes.
Visas issued to Ukrainian nationals
Since the beginning of this year, there were 3,371 Ukrainian nationals who applied for and were granted a visa, Justice Minister Tonio Borg said yesterday.
He was replying to a question from Labour MP Roderick Galdes.
Air Malta to sell Hal Ferh shares
Air Malta will sell its shares in Hal Ferh Company Ltd and a call for expressions of interest is to be issued by June 2005, Investments Minister Austin Gatt said yesterday.
He was replying to a question by Labour MP Evarist Bartolo.
Lm5,000 for survey at Castille
Architect Richard England was paid Lm4,887.50 for a general survey of Castille, parliament was told yesterday.
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said this was the only contract Mr England was given by the OPM, adding that Mr England was not contracted by the Finance Ministry.
Assistant electoral commissioners to be paid this month
The assistant electoral commissioners who provided their services during the last general election are to be paid this month, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.
Dr Gonzi was replying to a question by Labour MP Silvio Parnis.
Even before the smoking ban was brought in, Dr Deguara added, the two sides of the House had agreed that parts of the House, such as the corridors and other parts should be smoke free.
As regards the bar of the House, Dr Deguara added, some may think that since the bar is smaller than 60 sq m it has until next year to come in line with the ban but this is not so, the minister said: the bar is public and no smoking can be done there.
Concluding, the minister said that despite the negative criticism against government by people who sought their own interests in the matter, other countries are now doing what Malta has done.
Syringes handed out
The amount of syringes given out so far this year by the different health centres to those who abuse of drugs are: Floriana: 34,000; Qormi: 13,000; Gzira: 33,000; Paola: 48,000; Cospicua: 11,000; Mosta: 14,000; and Gozo 5,000.
Health Minister Louis Deguara was replying to Carmelo Abela.
Regional Road bridge speed limit
A total of 309 fines have been levied on drivers who were found to have been driving at a speed higher than that which has been stipulated (45km) on the Regional Road bridge, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Stefan Buontempo.
Cleaning up St Elmo
Around 42 tons of rubbish were taken out of St Elmo when the fort was cleaned up last Summer, Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit told Jason Azzopardi.
The rubbish taken out included construction waste, grass and 12 battered cars.
Job losses at hotels
The number of jobs which have been lost in hotels this year is 136, Jobs Minister Louis Galea told Noel Farrugia.
Cruise liner visits decreasing
While 73 cruises started and ended in Malta in 202, their number has gone down to 54 last year and 48 till October this year, Communications Minister Censu Galea told Jason Azzopardi.
Alternative energy sources application to EU turned down
The Malta Resources Authority applied for EU funds in 2002 to study the viability of alternative energy sources in Malta. But this request was turned down, Resources Minister Ninu Zammit told Jason Azzopardi.
When Joe Mizzi asked what was the reason for the refusal, the minister could not find anything in the file and promised to give Mr Mizzi an answer by today, to Mr Mizzi’s loud protests.
No outlet closed
No outlet which sells alcohol or entertainment outlet was closed from 2000 to today because persons under 16 were allowed in or alcohol was sold by them to under 16s, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Carmelo Abela.
San Anton cats were removed without permission.
No less than seven parliamentary questions, all by Noel Farrugia, were asked yesterday regarding the stray cats at San Anton which were removed some days ago.
Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino replied that unfortunately the Environmental Landscapes Consortium did not ask for any permission before it took over responsibility for the stray cats. Once the Monitoring Unit found out what was happening, that the stray cats were being moved from San Anton to Wied Incita, it ordered this to be stopped.
Steps have been taken, the minister said, so that no other body or individual does the same again.
He also said that the expenses for the food which is given to the cats at Wied Incita is being forked out by ELC.
Nor did the government pay for the carry cases in which the cats were carried out, since these carry cases are not on the San Anton inventory. These were purchased by ELC.
Separation cases
The number of contracts registered at the Public Registry regarding marital separations amounted to 484 last year and 345 till October this year.
There are no separate figures for separation contracts arrived at by mutual consent, and those which are drawn up after a Court sentence, but the majority of the contracts come from mutual consent separations, Justice Minister Tonio Borg told Jose Herrera.
One magistrate handed out one fifth of sentences
Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera handed down 108 sentences of the 598 which were handed down by the Magistrates Court after compilations till 15 October this year, Justice Minister Tonio Borg told Jose Herrera.
Second on the list was Magistrate A Micallef Trigona with 87 followed by Magistrate Antonio Mizzi with 84.
Maltese hunters stopped from bringing game trophies from Egypt
Maltese hunters who go to Egypt are not being allo3ed to bring back their game trophies to Malta, despite the fact that these are not protected in Egypt nor in Malta.
Mario Galea wanted to know why was this happening.
Environment Minister George Pullicino replied that game trophies cannot be introduced to Malta if the country of origin does not have the approval of the EU for this kind of exportation.
Minister: Why low floor buses cannot be used on all trips to hospital
Not all the buses which service the hospital route are low floor buses. Chris Agius wanted to find out why was this.
Transport Minister Jesmond Mugliett said the Public Transport Association operates on a roster system which is changed every two weeks according to the number of the bus. This is aimed at giving every bus an equal amou8nt of different bus routes.
For this treason, the minister said, the system does not permit that low floor buses only are detailed to service to St Luke’s route.
Gozo Cittadella armoury to become Heritage Malta office
The 18th Century warehouse in Triq il-Kwartier ta’ San Martin in the Gozo Cittadella will become the administrative centre of Heritage Malta in Gozo, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech told Justyne Caruana.
This building will include a space for permanent exhibitions, talks and related activities.
The minister said the exhibits which were in this place have been transferred in view of an intensive conservation effort since they were found to be in a bad state.
Heritage Malta took this decision after it considered that the site was not viable as a cultural attraction, so much so that only for a short time in the mid-1980s was this open for view, and after that behind an iron grille. The exhibits themselves need urgent conservation because they were not given the right attention.
Besides, the present administrative office is occupying part of the Natural Science Museum and is creating hindrance to the operations of the museum.
And the only vacant property that Heritage Malta has in the Cittadella needs considerable structural work to become an administrative centre in the future, the minister said.
St James makes Lm23,000 deficit
The St James Centre for Creativity made a Lm26,000 loss in 2003, up from Lm23,000 the previous year, despite a greater government grant (Lm135,000 instead of Lm112,500) and greatly increased rent from retail outlets (Lm20,000 instead of Lm8,000), according to papers laid in the House yesterday.
Mepa permits
The number of applications issued by Mepa from October 2002 to September 2003 was 4,611 while those approved in the following year were 4,448.
The permits issued after a reconsideration were 682 and 552 respectively while the enforcement notices issued were 760 and 1068 respectively, Environment Minister George Pullicino said.
Computers in schools
A total of 1,613 computers have been installed in schools from 2000 to 2004, Education Minister Louis Galea said. The computers cost Lm637,000.
14,000 students receive maintenance grants
A total of 13,966 students are receiving the maintenance grant, Education Minister Louis Galea told Carmelo Abela.
Of these, 13,060 are tertiary education students: 5,360 at the University, 2,819 at the Junior College, 2,695 at MCAST, as well as 878 at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary, 517 at MA Refalo in Gozo, and 110 at the Institute for Health Care. There are also 428 students at St Aloysius’, 203 at De La Salle and 50 at St Edward’s College, none of which are state schools.
Besides, there are 906 apprentices: 452 in the Technician Apprenticeship Scheme at MCAST, 347 in the Extended Skills Training Scheme also at MCAST, 81 on the Extended Skills Training Scheme at ITS and 26 at ITSA in Gozo.
Asylum seekers
There are at present 734 asylum seekers held by the security forces in Malta, Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg told Carmelo Abela.
Twenty-five of these say they have less than 18 years.
A further 750 immigrants are being provided with accommodation in open centres after they were recognised as refugees or given humanitarian status.
These asylum seekers have 33 children, 17 boys and 16 girls, who go to local schools.
Three go to secondary schools while the others are spread around the Birzebbuga, Floriana, Lija, Paola, Valletta and Zurrieq primary schools.
Mr Abela also asked if the police and soldiers are given specific training to deal with the asylum seekers.
But while Dr Borg replied that the police get experience on the job, although they also attend seminars and other meetings, as regards the army the Prime Minister said they are given training on how to deal with people who require their help.
However, Dr Gonzi added, it is more the representatives of the various ministries who get in close contact with the asylum seekers.
Domestic debtors
with Enemalta
Enemalta is owed a total of Lm28 million, of which Lm11 million relate to ongoing bills and Lm17 million relate to debts with Enemalta.
The bulk of the money owed, Lm7.3 million, is owed by domestic customers and small enterprises in Malta. The money owed from the industrial establishments tops Lm6.2 million.
Kerosene sales
Kerosene sales are on a steep increase, figures presented yesterday in Parliament show.
Taking the month of August as an example, the last full month as regards the figures, 940,000 litres of kerosene were sold in August 2002, costing Lm100,432. Sales rose marginally to 961,000 litres in 2003, and even more to 1,041,000 this year. Sales in August this year totalled Lm140,000.
None of the redundant dockyard workers were employed by the private sector
Despite the number and skills of the many former dockyard workers who were declared to be surplus to requirements, not one of these workers has been absorbed by the private sector.
This was confirmed yesterday evening by Investments Minister Austin Gat who was replying to questions by Joe Mizzi.
This was, Dr Gatt said, “a huge disappointment”.
He explained that there was a prior agreement with both GWU and FOI of how the process should work. The IPSL workers were sent for interviews with companies specifically earmarked by FOI.
But when they were sent for interviews with the private sector, many IPSL workers just did not turn up.
And those who turned up either declared up front they do not want to take that job, or exhibited clearly negative attitudes, such as sitting on the desk instead of on the chair, putting their feet up on the desk.
“We sent hundreds,” Dr Gatt said, but not even one of them got a job with the private sector.
Dr Gatt was scathing on the entrepreneurs themselves because not one of these reported any IPSL worker to the ministry. Had they done that, that worker would have been sacked.
The private sector, Dr Gatt said, unfortunately did not do what it was its duty to do.
As a result of this turn of events, many IPSL workers have been sent to the local councils but government now wants the local councils to share part of their expenses.
Agreement between the government and the local councils was almost reached, Dr Gatt told Joe Abela, until a quite separate issue cropped up and it was put in jeopardy. If the local councils refuse to share in the expenditure, government will have to review its position, Dr Gatt
In a statement, chairman Jason Azzopardi made it clear that according to the House permanent orders, Malta’s five representatives in the European Parliament have a right to participate in the committee but cannot be considered as members.
Dr Azzopardi was referring to a statement made by MEP John Attard Montalto, who was quoted as having said that the parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee had commissioned Prof. Ian Refalo and another lawyer to draw up a report on the legal aspects of the European Constitution and possible conflicts it could have on the Maltese Constitution. Dr Attard Montalto said that the MLP was taking legal advice on the matter as part of its exercise to take a stand on the issue.
Minister sees need to intensify campaign for more organ donors
Doctors at St Luke’s Hospital carried out 11 liver transplants this year but there had been no heart transplants, Health Minister Louis Deguara told Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi yesterday. He said no heart transplants had been carried out because there were no donors.
Replying to supplementary questions by Dr Azzopardi, Dr Deguara admitted that the campaigns encouraging people to become organ donors after their death needed to be intensified in order to ensure that there are enough donors for the number of transplants needed.
He said that in Malta, unlike in other countries, someone becomes an organ donor on a
voluntary basis. In other countries, especially European ones, everyone is a donor.
Replying to another question by Dr Azzopardi, Dr Deguara said the government had no plans to introduce this system in Malta, adding that the voluntary scheme will continue to be used.
Dr Deguara thanked the various non-governmental organisations which had conducted their own campaigns to urge people to enlist as donors. He said the mentality of what is entailed in being a donor needs to change because some people tend to think that if a person is listed as a donor, then hospital doctors would not do their utmost to save that person’s life.
Councils collect Lm1.6m in fines
Local councils collected nearly Lm1.6 million in traffic fines between January and September this year, Justice Minister Tonio Borg told Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi.
A further Lm1.64 million is still outstanding.
The Sliema joint committee has to collect most fines – amounting to Lm385,819 – while the Birkirkara joint committee still has to collect Lm195,130.
No interests in investing in Upper Barrakka lift
No submissions had been received from investors interested in investing in a project for the installation of a lift to the Upper Barrakka, Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett said yesterday.
Replying to a question from Labour MP Charles Buhagiar, he said that although no one had expressed interest in the project, government was informed that there are investors interested.
As a result, his ministry was currently drafting another design brief for the project.
One more airline
Only one airline had requested permission to operate flights to and from Malta, Competitiveness and Communications Minister Censu Galea said yesterday. He said Hello Ltd had requested permission to fly to and from Malta in the summer of 2005. He said there are currently 46 airlines operating to and from Malta.
Mr Galea was replying a question from Labour MP Joseph Cuschieri.
41 sets of twins born this year
Between January and November this year, Maltese mothers gave birth to 41 sets of twins, four births of triplets and two sets of quadruplets, Health Minister Louis Deguara said yesterday replying to a question from Nationalist MP Franco Galea.
1,100 new recipients of invalidity pension
Just under 1,100 people were boarded out from their workplaces and started to receive an invalidity pension between January and mid-November, Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said
yesterday.
Since 1998, a total of 7,651 people had applied for and received an invalidity pension, said Mrs Cristina, in reply to a question from Labour MP Leo Brincat.
2,109 request for house inspections
A total of 2,109 requests were made for house inspections up till 31 August this year, said Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina yesterday.
Mrs Cristina said that in 2003, a total of 3,365 requests were made. She was answering a parliamentary question put by Jason Azzopardi.
Lm4.68 million spent on stipends this year
A total of Lm4.68 million was paid out in student stipends as of November this year, said Education Minister Louis Galea yesterday.
Dr Galea said the highest sum was paid out to university students: Lm2,838,854, followed by Junior College: Lm755,576 and MCAST: Lm533,046.
These were followed by the Higher Secondary: Lm211,143, MA Refalo Upper Lyceum: Lm136,313, St Aloysius College: Lm129,774, De La Salle College: 60,339 and finally St Edwardís at Lm19,878. Dr Galea was answering a parliamentary question put by Opposition MP Carmelo Abela.
Lm4.8 million for science and research
The government said Lm4,839,978 was to be spent on Science and Research, said Education Minister Louis Galea yesterday.
Dr Galea said that Lm3,196,798 was public expenditure while Lm1,643,000 was spent privately. The total amount spent worked out to 0.28 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product.
Tackling Floriana rodents
There have been no official reports about a rat infestation in Fgura, said Health Minister Louis Deguara yesterday.
However, he said that on 20 November, Pest Control workers put down rat poison in various areas of Fgura to prevent rodent proliferation. Dr Deguara said the issue would continue to be followed closely. Opposition MP Stefan Buontempo asked the question.
Interprint to be privatised
Government intends to privatise the company Interprint, said Investments Minister Austin Gatt yesterday.
Answering a direct question by Opposition MP Chris Agius said that there was intention to privatise the company and anyone who has stopped working for the company was given termination benefits as stipulated by a collective agreement.
Only two unsolved murders in five years
There are only two murders that have gone unsolved since 2000, said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday. Dr Gonzi said that over the past five years, there have been a total of 22 murders. Two were not solved; one which took place in Marsascala on 15 May 2001 and another in Marsalforn on 25 May this year. Over the past five years, there have been 178 armed robberies, of which 54 have been solved by the police, said Dr Gonzi. He was answering a question put by MP Chris Agius.
Cottonera bus usage
A total of 29,476 use public bus services in the Cottonera area, said Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett yesterday.
Mr Mugliett said that from figures gather from bus ticketing machines, it turned out that the most used Cottonera route was Route 6 from Vittoriosa with 11,483 patrons. Next came Route 3 from Senglea with 8,384 users, Route 4 from Kalkara with 7,999 users. Vittoriosaís Route 1 propped up the leader board with 1,610 users. Mr Mugliett was answering a question put by Opposition MP Chris Cardona.