Implementing the Children’s Act and giving the Commissioner for Children the power of the ombudsman are two electoral promises that Opposition Leader Alfred Sant made yesterday during the presentation of the party’s proposed policies for the family and social policy.

During a press conference, Dr Sant said that the Commissioner for Children needs to be given the same power as that of an ombudsman.

“The commissioner needs to act as a regulator and build a social policy that will make the post more effective,” he explained.

He explained that the family has to be closely protected because it is responsible for the moral, social, spiritual and cultural education of its children.

He added that times are changing and that there are other types of families – as opposed to traditional ones, but a Labour government will address these situations and will give them full support.

The Opposition Leader said that a Labour government will build on the positive measures that are already in place, and strengthen the rest.

The electoral programme also includes incentives for youths, first-time buyers, education and health. Dr Sant said that the present structures to protect the rights of the consumer need to be strengthened to ensure that there are no unjustifiable price hikes.

Furthermore, he added, a report that will be presented to parliament will be drawn up every six months analysing any price changes.

“If there are any price hikes that are not justified, then the government will take action,” said Dr Sant.

The sale and distribution of medicines will become transparent and a full registration scheme will be introduced.

When asked by The Malta Independent if the Pharmacy of Your Choice Scheme will be still used by a Labour government, Dr Sant said that it will have to be closely examined and if any changes are needed, then these will be implemented.

People suffering from mental health problems and particular conditions, such as eczema, will also be entitled to free medicines, he said.

The children’s allowance will be a fixed amount and not graded according to the family’s income, said Dr Sant.

“However, there will be several exceptions where families with children with a disability will receive a different amount,” he said.

The Children’s Act will bring together all the present resources with a focus on strengthening families, said the Opposition Leader.

He said that the adoption process will become more transparent and foster carers will be given more support.

Punishments meted out to paedophiles will be made harsher in order to tackle a problem “that is more common than we actually think,” said Dr Sant.

The family commission needs to become more proactive and help improve family structures.

Dr Sant said that a Labour government will help provide support to carers, social workers and state, voluntary and church institutions that provide a priceless service in fostering children.

The Opposition Leader also said that a family research centre will be set up, that will provide the government with scientific data and statistics which will then be referred to when making policies.

“This research centre will be based at the university, and the scientific data will be passed on to the government and NGOs in order for them to work out how it can be implemented,” he said.

Dr Sant then spoke about people with disabilities.

“Not all disabilities are the same, and our policy will help and support them while providing relief to their families,” he said. A Labour government will also set up a respite home for people with a severe disability, that will allow them to form part of the community at St Luke’s Hospital.

The electoral programme also included a proposal to set up day and night centres for the elderly and a fostering scheme for the elderly. Dr Sant spoke about the importance of the elderly in society, and said that these homes will be run in collaboration with the local councils.

A Labour government will also reduce the amount deducted from the pension of elderly people residing in state homes.

“Instead of deducting 80 per cent of their pensions, a Labour government will reduce it to 65 per cent,” said Dr Sant.

More medicines that are needed by the elderly will be made available, especially those that are not in stock now, he said.