Parliamentary Secretary Tonio Fenech visited the Contracts Department yesterday, as it prepares for the issuing of tenders linked with the European Union budget for 2007-2013.

Mr Fenech said that the government has been preparing for the EU budget for quite some time, and added that it is a well-known fact that Malta will be getting e805 million for seven years, and how this will be spent.

The government has carried out various consultation meetings to listen to ideas from constituted bodies and the public.

Mr Fenech said that the project selection process had included the issuing and adjudication of tenders. The Contracts Department is doing all the groundwork necessary to be sure that, on 1 January 2007, Malta will be in a position to use the funds in the best way possible.

Amendments to the Public Contracts Regulations were recently enacted to bring Malta’s laws in conformity with EU regulations. Changes to the government’s procurement regulations have also been made to this effect.

Department staff are being trained to deal with the influx of tenders that will take place as from next year. Mr Fenech said that the department employs 40 people and publishes 40 tender offers a month. During 2005, Lm25 million and e20 million in tender offers were issued and adjudicated.