Government funds for voluntary organisations have been increased by Lm10,000 since last year, for a total value of Lm730,000, Family and Social Solidarity minister Dolores Cristina said this week.

She was speaking during the presentation of financial grants to a number of voluntary organisations.

Mrs Cristina thanked these organisations for their sterling contribution to society and said that the government acknowledged their role in society, to the extent that it was presenting them with financial help in recognition of their services.

She said that considerable progress had been made on the legislation for non-governmental organisations, and the draft bill will be presented to parliament in the coming week.

The 33 organisations that have benefited from government funds are the Richmond Foundation, Dar L-Arka, Caritas, the Emigrants Commission, YMCA, Osanna Pia Hostel, Suret il-Bniedem, Centru Fidi u Gustizzja, Azzjoni Kattolika, Cana Movement, EAPN, Daritama, Razzett tal-Hbiberija, Fondazzjoni Nazareth, Vincenzo Bugeja Foundation, Ghaqda Neqsin mis-Smigh, Merhba Bik, Muscular Dystrophy Group, Dar il-Wens, Dar Qalb ta’ Gesu, Dar il-Kaptan, OASI, Eden Foundation, Equal Partners, and smaller organisations that serve as support groups.