So-called opinion-makers who venture into the state of the family are by no means experts; that is why we seek to obtain scientific studies on the matter, stated Social Solidarity and Family Minister Dolores Cristina yesterday.
Speaking during the launch of the National Family Commission (NFC)’s Action Plan for 2007, the minister endorsed the commission’s plan to carry out scientific research on the family.
Commission Chairman Sandro Spiteri, while outlining the plan, had indicated research as one of the four pillars on which the commission is going to base its work for the current year.
The commission has until now carried out two studies, said Mr Spiteri. The first study treats poverty and families while the second one is about mental health and the family.
During the current year, the commission is planning to carry out research on a number of topics, namely the changing constitution of the family, the effect of EU legislation on the Maltese family, marriages between Maltese and foreigners and the effect of the Family Court on families.
In collaboration with the Cana Movement, the commission is also carrying out a study on the causes of problems which induce families to seek counsel from the movement. The commission is also working on compiling a number of resources and research carried out in the different faculties within the University of Malta.
Minister Cristina praised the work carried out by the NFC and its unassuming way of carrying out its work. She asserted that the commission does not have impositions coming from her ministry and that it can rest assured of her support. Speaking about the commission’s proposal of setting up an institute for the family, which would be responsible for carrying out scientific research on various issues relating to the family, the minister pledged to finance half of the set-up costs. The setting up of such institute is a central part of another pillar of the NFC Action Plan, which calls for technical advice and advocacy.
Mr Spiteri outlined the other two pillars of the NFC’s action plan; national consultations and the strengthening of civil society.
The NFC will be meeting the public tomorrow at the Fgura Primary School, on Thursday at Luqa Primary School, on Friday at Attard Primary School and on 9 March at the Xewkija NGO Hall. All meetings will be held between 6pm and 7.30pm and childminding facilities will also be available.
The commission will seek to strengthen civil society by establishing a family forum in which NGOs can participate and give their contribution towards the sector.
By May 2007, the NFC is expected to present a draft on the National Family Policy to the ministry.