There were more soldiers who qualified to be promoted than there were promotions available in the most recent promotions exercise in the Armed Forces, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Labour MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

So the promotions were assigned according to the order of merit, Dr Gonzi said.

The criteria used in the promotions exercise were regulated by the Conditions of Employment in AFM.

These say that a promotion can only be given following a recommendation based on efficiency, seniority, qualifications and a choice to fill the vacancy.

Dr Coleiro Preca asked other questions regarding the promotions exercise but Dr Gonzi replied that the information still has to be collected and a reply will be given later.

Boffa Hospital to be handed back to Lands Department

Boffa Hospital will continue to be used as a hospital until Zammit Clapp Hospital takes over as the new oncology centre, Health Minister Louis Deguara told Labour MP Stefan Buontempo.

Once this happens, Boffa Hospital will then pass back to the Lands Department.