There has been a five-fold increase in single mothers over the past 11 years, Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina told Labour MP Silvio Parnis.
There were 470 single mothers on social assistance in 1995 and they were given Lm464,000 then. But in 2006, the numbers had risen to 2,043 and they were given Lm2.7 million as social assistance.
Question and answer regarding Mater Dei
Leo Brincat asked the Minister for Health:
How much were the consultants (whose names Mr Brincat sent under a different cover to the minister) who were appointed by FMS to complete the Mater Dei Hospital migration plan report paid?
How much is this plan being followed?
Can the minister table the reviewed chart that takes into consideration the delays in the implementation of this project?
What is the latest estimate for the migration of services that are expected to move from St Luke’s Hospital to Mater Dei?
When the future strategy for St Luke’s be finalised?
When will the phased decommission and re-occupation of St Luke’s begin?
When will the legislative process that should bring about the governance framework of Mater Dei be completed?
Does the government have any intention of investigating in an independent manner the serious allegations raised by former PN candidate Dr Frank Portelli on a local private television station?
Health Minister Louis Deguara replied:
The plan which was prepared by the consultants appointed by FMS covered a migration sequence of over three years. This plan will not be implemented although the basic features of the plan have been taken into consideration.
The plan that will be implemented will take far less and was arrived at after consultation with the clinical leads of St Luke’s.
One million Maltese liri has been provided this year for the migration of services from St Luke’s to Mater Dei.
The Health Division is preparing plans to develop a temporary Rehabilitation Hospital in what is today’s Karin Grech Hospital.
This will amalgamate the current services of rehabilitation being offered by St Luke’s Zammit Clapp and Boffa hospitals. This plan is being coordinated with the migration of acute services to Mater Dei.
The Health Division will hand over to the government the rest of the building to be used according to the priorities of the country.
The legislative process as regards the governance framework will be concluded when Parliament eventually approves the Health Services Act, which at present is still being drafted.
Some fundamental aspects of the governance framework will be addressed by the Public Services Act with regard to public bodies and their management.
As regards the other questions, the minister referred Mr Brincat to the Finance Ministry.
Manwel Dimech Bridge work extended to 10 November
Around 35 per cent of the work on the Manwel Dimech Bridge has been completed so far, Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Labour MP Charles Buhagiar.
Work began on 10 October and should have been completed in a year’s time but an extension has been given and the work on the bridge is now planned to finish by 10 November.
According to evaluations done on the work, it would seem that the work has fallen back and the contractor has been told to put in action a plan to hurry up the work.