The Nationalist Party yesterday drew up and approved its election manifesto, which consists of 353 proposals that the party is outlining in what it has called its Vision 2015.
Presenting the election commitments, party leader Lawrence Gonzi wrote that his administration “was not perfect, but we worked as hard as we could and got the results it worked for”.
It is immediately clear the emphasis this time is on the environment, to which a future Nationalist administration is committed to give an absolute priority. MCESD will also be widened in its remit to include the environmental factor in the social dialogue.
The party manifesto then outlines what has been done so far with regard to the main issues and states what it intends to do, if confirmed in government.
It goes on to enshrine its proposals in 353 commitments.
A balanced budget by 2010
1. By 2010 there will be a surplus, rather than a deficit, in public finances.
Income Tax
2. Income Tax will be reduced: tax bands will be raised and the maximum tax band of 35 per cent will be only for those who earn more than e60,000.
Working mothers
3. Mothers who return to work after five years’ absence will get a tax-free year for each of their children under the age of 16.
4. Every working mother (and those who return to work after less than five years) will get a tax-free year for every child born in 2007 and later.
Overtime
6. Overtime will still be paid as it is being paid today. There will be no changes to the overtime rates that are being paid today.
7. Overtime will remain the choice of the worker.
Inheritance tax
8. Inheritance tax on the residence marital home will be removed completely, not just between couples but also when it is inherited by children.
Departure tax
9. Two years ago, the departure tax (introduced by a Labour government) was halved to Lm10/e23.29. It will now be removed completely, to ensure freedom of movement.
Levy on credit cards
10. The Lm7 annual tax or levy on credit cards, also introduced by a Labour government, will be removed.
TV licence
11. The Lm15/e34.94 tax on every television set will also be removed.
Car tax
12. The car registration tax will be changed to a polluter-pays principle tax. This will mean less tax on new cars and rewarding those who pollute the least.
Cutting VAT
13. A PN government will work with the other EU member states to cut VAT on certain important sectors such as restaurants from 18 per cent to 5 per cent.
14. It will work with other EU member states to cut VAT on care for the elderly, alternative energy generation, etc.
15. A PN government will hold fast to its stand that VAT exemption on food and medicines must stand.
ICT
16. SmartCity will attract a huge number of new companies to Malta and create at least 5,600 new jobs.
17. e45 million will be devoted to attract industries and create jobs.
18. Fiscal incentives will be given to enable companies to specialise.
19. e30 million will be spent to develop 15,000 sq m for more factories at Hal Far and a further 11,000 sq m at Mosta Technopark.
20. The Kordin Business Incubation Centre will be extended.
21. More projects will be encouraged to widen internet access as much as possible.
22. More incentives will be given to attract more films to Malta.
23. Everything is now ready to begin the e28 million project on the Crafts Village at Ta Qali. This will take four years to finish.
Financial services
24. This sector will be helped to reach 25 per cent of GDP and employ 10,000 people.
25. A PN government will ensure that the fiscal structure in this sector will continue to be attractive and competitive in the Euro-Med region.
26. It will create more training and specialisation opportunities in this sector.
27. Together with Finance Malta, it will continue to promote Malta internationally.
EU funding
28. Incentive schemes with EU funding will be launched to attract firms to invest in R&D and other sectors.
29. EU funding will be sourced to provide the upgrading of five industrial zones and the Crafts Village.
Tourism
30. The National Plan for the sector will continue to be implemented in conjunction with the private sector.
31. Air Malta will continue to be Malta’s strategic asset. A PN government will keep control over this company and sustain it as needed.
32. Access to Malta will be increased through more low-cost and other airlines.
33. Malta will become the centre for international attractions.
34. Families hosting students will have e3,500 deducted from taxable income.
35. Maltese embassies will further tourism and Malta’s culture.
36. Government will work with other EU member states to facilitate the issuing of a Maltese visa from countries with substantial economic development such as Russia, Turkey, China and India.
EU financing
37. EU financing will be sourced for the upgrading of at least five bays...
38. ...and for investment in tourist areas such as Valletta, Grand Harbour, Mdina, Rabat and Dingli, Sliema, Paceville and St Julian’s, Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay, Gozo, Marsascala and Mellieha...
39. and for the restoration of the bastions around Valletta, Cottonera, Mdina and the Cittadella...
40. and to help enterprises develop their own tourist products.
The maritime sector
41. The Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour plans will be put into action with priority being given to cruise liner terminal expansion.
42. The number of yacht berths will increase by 25 per cent.
43. The Dock No. 1 project will take off, now that the permits are almost ready.
44. Work will immediately start on Boiler Wharf to enable it to take cruise liners.
45. The dockyard restructuring will continue in order to make it viable.
EU help to create jobs
46. e130 million from the European Social Fund will help create jobs. The Employment Aid Framework subsidises half the wage.
47. The Training Aid Programme provides grants to cover part of the cost of training.
48. The Youth Employment Programme provides help for young people.
49. The Employability Programme offers training.
Training for work
50. ETC will be strengthened to become more effective.
51. Identify those sectors that find it difficult to recruit.
52. Better address long-term unemployment.
53. Be better placed to help disadvantaged people.
54. Better develop its IT systems.
55. Integrate Malta better in EURES.
56. Administer unemployment benefits better and “make work pay”.
57. Create new apprenticeship and traineeship schemes.
58. Create more incentives to help young people go in for tertiary education.
59. Encourage more people to return to studying.
60. Encourage more people to have a work-life balance, and more childcare centres.
61. Create Female Employment Guidance Officers to draw up personal action plans for women clients.
62. And strengthen enforcement against those who employ third country nationals without permits.
Workers’ rights
63. ETC will also strengthen enforcement to protect workers’ rights, especially as regards health and safety.
64. Stop the practice of contracts for the self-employed which is being used to deprive workers of their rights.
65. A PN government will commit itself that, in public procurement, contractors will be obliged to respect workers’ rights.
Less red tape
66. The Better Regulation Unit at OPM will be strengthened.
67. An Entrepreneurship Research Unit will be set up to help SMEs obtain EU funds.
68. Help will be given to create more buying cooperatives.
69. A Small Business Industrial Fund to help artisan associations will be created.
70. An Innovation Fund to help SMEs will be created.
Farmers
71. The new rural development plan will be implemented to create more opportunities with €100 million from EU funds.
72. The SMPPMA direct help to farmers will be continued possibly beyond its latest date.
73. Help will be given to full-time farmers by leasing them government land.
74. The Farm Advisory Services scheme will be set rolling.
75. There will be subsidies on fodder and help to restructure milk-producing farms.
Fishermen
76. The Fish Market will be relocated with EU funds.
77. A new scheme for more financial help for fishing vessels will be launched.
78. Financial help will be given to fishermen’s cooperatives instead of the Marketing Aid.
79. An EU scheme to develop and invest in aquaculture will be launched.
Education
80. The education reform underlined in the Education Act will be implemented.
81. The new colleges system will be strengthened through continued assessment and national benchmarking.
82. More schools will be built, enlarged, maintained and embellished.
83. Childcare centres will be set up all over Malta and Gozo.
84. Kindergartens will be improved.
85. Children will be screened as early as possible on health and intellectual abilities with the help of specialists.
86. The facilitators system will be extended to include private schools.
87. Children with special needs will be given sufficient resources to continue studying at tertiary level.
88. Services for students, parents and teachers will be placed on new bases.
89. The schools of drama, music and arts will be encouraged to work more closely together, as is happening in Gozo.
90. The secondary schools curriculum will include more practical subjects.
91. An educational, creative and sports programme will be offered for after school hours.
92. The human resources requirements of the educational sector will be analysed to attract more students to the teaching profession.
93. Students from Sixth Form upwards to be offered a volontariat scheme to help others.
94. More teaching to be given on the beauty of family life.
High tech
95. E-learning to continue: there will be one computer for every four students and a laptop for every teacher.
96. Families in need, with disabilities and NGOs will be provided with renovated and cleaned government-used computers at a nominal price.
97. More students will be helped to understand ICT.
98. More attention will be given to the teaching of maths, science and technology at all levels.
99. An interactive Science and Technology Centre will be set up.
100. There will be more programmes to enable people to get a basic understanding of ICT in every family.
101. There will be more investment in research, innovation and technological development.
102. There will be investment in a fibre-optic link between Malta and north Italy reserved for higher educational institutions.
103. Innovation competitions will be held with profits shared between students and their schools.
104. Incentives will be offered to the best Maltese professionals abroad to entice them to come back.
Help to students and parents
105. The stipends system will be continued.
106. Gozitan students will continue to receive concessionary treatment.
107. Students will be helped to get a first degree abroad in subjects not offered in Malta.
108. EU funds will help Maltese students receive part of their education abroad.
109. There will be more direct and indirect financial help to parents who send their children to independent private schools. Help will continue to be given to church schools.
University and MCAST
110. The Government grant to the university and MCAST will increase.
111. The university’s autonomy will be strengthened through the creation of the University of Malta Trust Fund with initial funds of e2.5 million.
112. The Third Age University will be helped with better facilities.
113. The master plan for a new MCAST campus will start to be implemented.
114. MCAST will offer more courses at different levels.
115. More resources will be given to ITS.
116. More incentives will be given to attract institutions at international level to hold degree courses and post-grad R&D in Malta.
117. The National Commission for Higher Education will consolidate its structures.
118. By 2015 Malta will become a Mediterranean centre of excellence for higher education.
Health
119. Waiting lists must go as soon as possible.
120. Targets will be set for how long must a patient wait.
121. Where waiting lists persist, the government will seek help from the private sector.
122. Steps will be taken to ensure that the rights granted by the European Courts to Maltese to receive medical treatment abroad are respected.
123. The fight against cancer will be tackled with a structured plan.
124. Zammit Clapp Hospital will become a cancer-specialised hospital with radiotherapy and PET scan facilities.
125. The breast-screening programme will be extended and more preventive programmes will be introduced.
Community services
126. The Pharmacist of Your Choice scheme will be extended.
127. Everyone will receive an electronic ID card containing medical information.
128. The primary health sector will be strengthened.
129. Family doctors’ clinics and health centres will be linked to Mater Dei by electronic means to enable the sharing of information on patients.
130. Support services for the elderly and for people with a disability or with other health problems will be strengthened, as well as for those who have just undergone surgery.
131. New medicines will be given to as many people as possible.
Price of medicines
132. Medicine prices will continue to be kept under observation and, if possible, will be reduced.
133. A scheme will be created to help families face exceptionally high medical expenses.
Training
134. More training will be given to all professionals.
135. A 280-bed rehabilitation centre will be built.
136. The upgrading of Mount Carmel Hospital will continue, also through the creation of new facilities.
137. The fight against obesity, especially in children, will be strengthened.
138. Following the success of the campaign against smoking, there will be campaigns to combat other substance abuse.
139. Malta will become the health centre of excellence in the Euro-Mediterranean area.
140. Medical tourism will be encouraged.
The environment
141. The embellishment of urban spaces will continue.
142. Residents will be helped to enjoy their property against the impact of the construction industry.
143. The construction sites regulations will be extended to all areas.
144. A board for health and safety at construction sites will be established.
145. There will be more action against the illegal dumping of rubbish.
Mepa
146. Mepa will be reformed to become more efficient, transparent and accountable, to be less inconsistent in its
decisions and to improve enforcement.
147. A clearer distinction will be made between applications for small changes and new development applications.
148. Civil society input in Mepa will be strengthened, including by residents.
149. Environmental impact assessments will be made more transparent and trust-worthy.
150. A Countryside Fund will be set up.
151. The fight against ODZ development will be increased.
Climate change
152. The electricity generation infrastructure will continue to be upgraded with more efficiency and the use of less harmful fuel.
153. Malta will be able to buy its energy needs by linking up to the European grid.
154. The Marsa Power Station will be closed down and the Delimara one will be made less air-polluting.
155. A dual tariff system will be introduced for industry.
156. Investment will be made in wind, solar and other clean sources of energy.
157. Government will use more alternative energy systems.
158. There will be more incentives for families to invest in clean energy.
159. There will be more rebates for appliances that use less energy.
160. Each family will get five
energy-saving light bulbs a year for two years.
161. There will be more public private partnerships to source alternative sources of energy.
162. e33 million will be invested in such schemes.
Research
163. A Research Fund for cleaner
energy will be set up.
164. Malta will increase research on marine algae.
165. The university will create a centre to protect prototypes created in Malta.
166. Research will study how energy derived from waste can be used to
produce drinkable water.
EU funds
167. Maghtab will be rehabilitated with e300 million from EU funds.
168. The infrastructure for waste management will be strengthened.
169. A waste water treatment plant will be set up in the South.
170. Another project will address the Delimara Power Station emissions.
171. Flooding in Lija, Balzan, Iklin, Birkirkara and Msida will be addressed.
172. 2,000 houses will benefit from alternative energy investment.
Biodiversity
173. Plans for the management of sites of ecological importance will be implemented.
174. The Tree4U campaign will continue, with 150,000 trees planted over the next five years.
175. A plan for the protection of the soil will be prepared.
Animal protection
176. An animal protection centre will be set up at Ta Qali.
177. More measures will be taken for the protection of animals.
178. Animal sanctuary staff will be trained.
179. Micro-chipping of domestic animals will begin with dogs.
180. A rehabilitation centre for animals in their natural state will be set up at Xrobb l-Ghagin.
181. A foundation to coordinate animal projects will be set up.
Hunting
182. Hunting and trapping will be made sustainable and in conformity with EU rules as interpreted by European courts.
Water
183. A campaign will target water wastage and encourage the use of wells.
184. More efficiency in water production will be encouraged and the illegal use of boreholes will be addressed.
185. Rain water will be better used.
More parks
186. After the Ta’ Qali and Kennedy Grove public spaces and the creation of the national park at Xaghra l-Hamra, more public spaces will be opened up.
Sustainable use of resources
188. Government will practice green public procurement.
189. The quarrying of Maltese stone will be made more environmentally-friendly.
190. More efforts will be made to collect recyclable waste.
Waste management
191. As from 1 April a domestic waste separation system will be initiated.
192. Waste management will be improved through recycling and more advanced technologies.
193. Residents next to waste treatment plants will suffer less inconvenience and receive more benefits.
194. The private sector will be encouraged to collect its own waste, especially packing waste, batteries, cars, etc.
195. Facilities will be set up to tackle solid waste and ship waste.
196. A plan will be implemented regarding burnt oil
management.
197. Enforcement will be strengthened.
198. Producers who join the waste management scheme will be exempted from eco-tax.
In favour of the environment
199. More access to environmental information will be provided.
200. Eko-Skola to continue.
201. Industry will be encouraged to invest more in eco-
innovation.
Transport
202. More roads, both primary and secondary, will be
modernised.
203. Greater use of alternative fuel such as bio-fuel will be encouraged.
204. There will be more stringent monitoring of public transport, government vehicles and construction trucks.
205. Public administration will begin using hybrid vehicles over the next five years.
206. The park and ride system will be extended.
207. There will be more pedestrian areas and bicycle routes.
208. Local councils will be encouraged to promote the use of bicycles.
209. Public transport will be strengthened through more routes by-passing Valletta.
210. E-government will be extended between government and the private sector.
211. A national traffic management strategy will be drawn up.
EU funds
212. EU funds will be sourced for arterial roads at Luqa, Floriana, Gzira, Mellieha, Victoria and later Marsa and Paceville/St Andrews.
213. The Cirkewwa passenger terminal will be built and facilities at Grand Harbour and Marsamxett will be upgraded.
Maritime
214. The ports infrastructure will be strengthened.
215. There will be more development of Malta’s great
maritime potential.
Social services
216. The government will continue subsidising the surcharge on electricity for families in need, as it is already doing for 30,000 families.
Housing
217. The government will extend the present subsidies on home loans to newly-weds.
218. The government will complete the 490 houses it is building in 17 localities and begin 550 more.
219. The Housing Authority will develop schemes targeting the social housing market.
220. Government’s housing units will be maintained in a good state and reserved only for those who are eligible for them.
221. There will be more collaboration with the private sector.
222. The rent laws will be reformed to protect today’s tenants and ensure justice to the owners. Income tax derived from rents from controlled properties will be tax exempt.
The family
223. More measures will be taken to create a better balance between the family and work.
224. The social benefits systems will be examined to provide more personalised help for families in need.
225. Domestic violence will be tackled more seriously.
226. The Family Court will be given more resources.
Young people
227. The National Youth Council will be strengthened.
228. Young people will receive more encouragement to keep away from drugs and other harmful substances.
229. Young people will be encouraged to participate more in EU programmes.
Children
230. Children with social disadvantages will get a better chance to integrate with other people.
231. The Children’s Lawyer structure will be strengthened.
232. A residential home for unruly boys will be set up to complement the existing one for unruly girls.
233. The probation services system will be improved.
234. The last vestiges of discrimination against children born out of wedlock will be removed.
Equality
235. The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality will be charged to ensure there is no discrimination in the workplace.
236. Voluntary organisations will receive more help for social projects.
The elderly
237. More schemes will be initiated to help the elderly remain in their homes, such as the creation of night shelters.
238. A proportion of what the elderly and their families spend on residential services will be exempt from income tax.
239. More quality residential homes will be encouraged and more public-private partnerships such as the one at Mellieha will be encouraged in the South.
240. The respite services system will be extended to community homes for the elderly.
241. St Vincent de Paule will continue to be upgraded as well as homes for the elderly.
Pensions
242. Reform of the pension system will continue to ensure a sustainable pension for future generations.
243. More measures will be introduced to improve the quality of life of pensioners and to encourage those who want to continue working after retirement age.
244. Anomalies between service pensions and other pensions will be eliminated.
245. Women will be treated more fairly in the pension system.
No discrimination
246. There will be more schemes to enable people with disabilities to find employment.
247. Agenzija Sapport will be encouraged to enable people with disabilities to live within the community, rather than shutting them up in St Luke’s, as Labour is proposing.
248. The National Council for Persons with Disabilities will be strengthened.
249. NGOs in this sector will receive more government support.
250. There will be more access for people with disabilities on public transport and in public places, including beaches.
251. Malta will shortly be in a position to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Drugs
252. The fight against drugs will be strengthened.
253. A National Coordination Unit on Drugs and Alcohol will be set up.
More transparency
254. Parliament will approve the Public Administration Bill.
255. The public sector will be made more efficient.
More accountability
256. A Special Prosecutor will be created within the Permanent Commission against Corruption with executive powers to investigate and prosecute.
257. The Ombudsman will be given responsibility to coordinate administrative complaints in the entire public sector.
258. Appointments to government boards will be made after a public call for applications.
259. The chairpersons of regulatory authorities will appear regularly in front of a special parliamentary committee to explain their authority’s policies.
260. A Freedom of Information Act will be enacted.
261. A bill will be enacted to protect Whistleblowers.
Public consultations
262. MCESD will be strengthened, including the environmental dimension.
263. More help will be given to associations representing civil society.
The administration of justice
264. More measures will be taken to ensure that justice is obtained within a reasonable time.
More security
265. A DNA laboratory will be set up within the Police Force.
266. A new Police Academy will be established at Ta Kandja, with better equipment.
267. Electronic tags will be used on those charged with serious crimes until they have stood trial.
268. A register will be drawn up of people found guilty of serious sex crimes.
269. A school will be established within the Corradino Corrective Facility.
270. The law regarding drugs will be amended so that drug victims will be treated differently from drug pushers.
271. A law regarding parole will be enacted and administered by a judge.
Immigration
272. Immigrants escaping persecution will continue to be helped, while Malta will continue to insist on more burden sharing on a European level.
273. Racism and xenophobia will be combated.
274. Illegal immigrants with no right to remain in Malta will be repatriated.
275. A Special Envoy will be appointed to speed up repatriation procedures.
276. Pressure will be exerted on the EU for more funds for repatriation.
277. Through Frontex, a better fight will be waged against illegal immigration.
The Armed Forces
278. The AFM will be strengthened and modernised through the purchase of a fixed wing plane, the upgrading of its communication infrastructure and the installation of thermal imaging with EU funds.
279. The AFM will have greater participation in EU Frontex missions.
280. A helicopter to be purchased partly through US funds.
281. The AFM’s training centre for Search and Rescue will be made even better.
Improving the quality of life
282. A joint committee will study which costs are government-induced and how to reduce them.
283. The regulator responsible for the protection of the consumer will be given more power.
284. This agency will build on the work of the NECC during the euro changeover process.
285. More information will be given to consumers, along the lines of Which? in the UK.
286. Consumers will be given the possibility of taking class actions.
Sport
287. There will be more investment in sporting facilities all over Malta.
288. Sport will be given more importance in education and in the syllabus.
289. A specialised school of sport will be set up at secondary level.
290. There will be a reform of regional sports centres.
291. Maltese sportsmen and women at national level and in government employment will be allowed to devote half their time to training.
Culture
292. Funds will be set aside every year to purchase contemporary works of art for public places.
293. A National Cultural Policy will be drawn up.
294. A Mediterranean Academy of Music will be established.
295. An Artists’ Village will be created.
296. The Carnival Village will be created.
297. A portion of the taxes derived from online gaming will go towards sport, the arts and culture.
City Gate and the Opera House
298. A final decision will be taken and the project regarding City Gate, Freedom Square and the Opera House will be undertaken. This will be done according to a timeframe to enable it to be ready for when Valletta becomes the European Cultural City in 2018.
Restoration
299. Upgrading and restoration work will continue.
300. A modern car park will be developed in St John’s Ditch and panoramic lifts will lead from the water’s edge to Freedom Square and the Upper Barrakka.
The Maltese language
301. A course teaching the Maltese language will be created for television so that it can be sent abroad for the families of Maltese migrants.
302. The possibility of transmissions in Maltese using satellites will be studied.
Cultural institute
303. A pilot project will create a Maltese Institute in Australia.
304. On the 50th anniversary of independence in 2014 a convention will be organised for Maltese migrants.
Festas
305. In dialogue with all those involved, ways of helping Maltese festas will be studied.
306. A scheme of financial help will be drawn up to help band clubs.
307. The regatta will be given more assistance.
Local councils
308. Local councils will receive sufficient funds to ensure they will also be able to carry out special projects.
309. Councillors will be given training.
310. The Local Councils Department will set up a section to help local councils access EU funds.
Gozo
311. Job creation will be strengthened.
312. Specific incentives will be improved to attract business to Gozo and a business incubation centre in ICT will be set up.
313. Back office work will continue to be attracted to Gozo.
314. The first open air studio for film production will be set up.
315. A fish market will be established.
Tourism
316. Gozo will become a model for sustainable development through agro-tourism, traditional skills, cruise liner facilities, etc.
317. Victoria will get a better public transport area and more pedestrianisation will be introduced.
318. The coastal plan, now extending from San Blas to Wied il-Ghasri to be extended to Ramla, Marsalforn and Xlendi.
319. The master plan for the Cittadella and the Ggantija conservation plan will be both implemented.
320. Mgarr Harbour to get cruise liner infrastructure and the yacht marina extended.
Ecological model
321. Gozo to generate all energy through alternative sources.
322. Gozo to become an organic island in agriculture.
323. Eco-tourism and agro-tourism to be encouraged.
324. An integrated plan for the management of water and natural resources to be drawn up.
325. A pilot project for a model village to be run on environmental lines through EU funds.
326. The government’s experimental farm to become a Mediterranean Centre for Research, Development and innovation in agriculture.
Transport
327. Innovative services will be introduced in public transport around Gozo.
328. Air transport to and from Gozo will be strengthened to become viable and sustainable.
Education
329. A new secondary school for girls and a new primary school for Rabat will be built.
330. Gozitan students will be given incentives to study courses in line with Gozo’s development strategic aims.
Social sector
331. A number of residential units will be built for social accommodation.
332. Professional support services will be provided in health and education at the Adult Training Centre, the Special Unit and in state schools for students with disabilities.
333. Electronic files and medical records will be introduced at the Gozo Hospital and linked to Mater Dei.
Sports
334. Sports facilities including a renovated race track and swimming pool to be built at Ta Xhajma.
Public administration
335. Gozo will get 10% of the EU funds to be spent on the social and economic development of Gozo.
336. A unit will be created to help local councils access EU funds.
337. The Gozo Ministry will be restructured.
338. A new directorate charged with the promotion of Gozo as a distinct tourist venue will be created.
339. NSO will be helped to develop more statistics regarding Gozo.
Foreign policy
340. Malta will remain active in favour of peace in the Middle East.
341. Malta will strengthen its contribution within the EU in favour of the Mediterranean through the Barcelona Process.
342. Based on the EU’s Mediterranean Policy Malta will work to increase Maltese trade especially in the services sector now that talks with our neighbours are now focusing on more liberalization in this sector.
343. Malta will suggest the creation of cooperation and governance in the Mediterranean with special reference to fishing, ships’ routes and other maritime matters.
344. Malta to continue to enhance its credibility and good name within the EU and to ensure it benefits from EU accession.
345. Malta to contribute to European integration especially now through euro accession and Schengen rather than, as Labour is suggesting, reopen the accession treaty.
346. Malta to give its special contribution in areas such as the maritime sector.
347. Malta to continue to try and get an EU agency to Malta.
Internationally
348. Continue working with neighbouring countries to reach an agreement on the delineation of maritime boundaries and to continue searching for oil both on its own and with the neighbours.
349. Malta to continue to insist the world tackles climate change.
350. Malta to continue to encourage initiatives such as pollution by ships.
351. Create in Malta a centre which promotes open access in ICT and internet governance.
352. Create facilities to set up a Virtual Parliament within the Commonwealth.
353. Act together with small islands for the development of environmental solutions which respect their particular needs.