I refer to the article entitled Situation at St. Vincent de Paule has not changed – MLP, published in The Malta Independent on 30 November. The article reports a speech made by MLP MP Marie Louise Coleiro and the MP Silvio Parnis during the Labour veterans’ general meeting.

Ms Coleiro, once again, makes a series of unfounded allegations regarding St Vincent De Paul Residence. The allegations are based on information that serves no other purpose than to cause alarm and panic among the elderly and their families. Despite numerous previous explanations that when an item is temporarily out of stock, an alternative is always available, Ms Coleiro keeps insisting that a number of medicines are not available.

With regards to the role and function of the Welfare Committee, it should be stated that these are established by law, through the Social Security Act. Hence, the government has by no means undermined its function. On the contrary, the government has ensured that the committee has all the necessary funds to function appropriately, such as the allocation of Lm2 million in this year’s budget estimates, which will make possible the finalisation of the new block at St Vincent De Paul which is being re-built as well as the development of other projects which are currently in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, the National Council for the Elderly as well as all non-governmental organisations, continue to be both recognised and supported by the government. However, the government remains primarily responsible for the elderly in our society, and has no intention to abdicate from this responsibility.

Ultimately, there’s no doubt that the elderly know very well which administration has improved the conditions of the elderly in our country. It was the government of the time which introduced the Secretariat for the Elderly back in 1987, and created a network of services for the well-being of the elderly.

Emanuel Abela

Director of Information