The Budget Measures Implementation Bill continued to be discussed in parliament on Monday, with Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono speaking about the benefits that successive PN budgets have brought about. She stated that funds are to be utilised in the construction of roads, sewage systems, and the construction and refurbishment of schools, among others.

Mrs Debono stated that as a result of the benefits which the previous budget brought forth, new projects would be created and worked upon in the coming year. She also mentioned that the Labour Party and its media are attempting to portray a negative image of the scheduled projects to be carried out in Gozo. However, Mrs Debono maintained that when discussing the implementation of new projects, many studies are carried out and continuous meetings are held with the technical people involved. Mrs Debono said that developing Gozo’s potential is still a priority, although there is negative criticism from the Labour Party.

She added that work is being carried out to design and construct a radiology unit in Gozo’s general hospital. Additionally, further refurbishment is to be carried out in other areas of the hospital. The minister also emphasised the importance of education and stated some schools are being refurbished too. However, above all, Lm3 million are being invested in the construction of a secondary school for boys in Victoria.

She added that the building of another law court, next to the new school in Gozo, is also being considered.

According to Labour MP Leo Brincat, although the government is preparing for the local council elections and also the general election, the budget did not seem to bring about a “feel good factor”. He said that the government tries to give the impression that families are living more comfortably and people are able to find employment; however, he insisted that employment opportunities have decreased. Mr Brincat also stated that not enough students are encouraged to follow courses in scientific subjects at a tertiary level.

He maintained that the Prime Minister has not yet given a list of those medicines the price of which has been reduced. He said that in fact, some medication prices have increased. Mr Brincat also commented about the increase in property prices. He said that the majority of families are finding it difficult to purchase their own property because they are unable to keep up with the hefty house loans.

With regard to tourism in Malta, Mr Brincat stated that traditional tourist areas, such as Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay, are being neglected. He said that there are a lot of hotels and guesthouses which have closed down during the past months, and others which are yet to close down.

Rural Affairs and the Environment Minister George Pullicino spoke about the implications of the budget on the education sector. He maintained that the government continually attempts to create further education and job opportunities for all.

Mr Pullicino said that the environment is another important sector which the government has invested and is still investing in. For instance, he mentioned the issue of waste management and stated that a lot of work is being done in the Maghtab area to protect the environment.

Labour MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, criticised the government for being reactive, instead of proactive, in its politics. She made reference to the waste management issue. She stated that there have been debates about this issue for many years and it is only now that the government is trying to resolve the problems which have accumulated over the past 20 years.

Dr Coleiro Preca also stated that young people are not finding employment and according to her, this is the reason behind many of our youths wanting to leave the country to find better opportunities abroad. She also stated that some of the Maltese families live in difficult circumstances. She also criticised the inefficiency of the legal aid service. She mentioned that justice is one of our fundamental human rights and some people are unable to seek justice due to the lack of efficient legal representation.