I refer to page 2 (TMID, 30 April) wherein an article under the heading ‘Only one child advocate in Malta… and she’s a part-timer’ was published. The article made reference to Dr Ruth Farrugia’s contribution during a seminar organised by the Office of the Commissioner for Children on Wednesday, 28 April, 2010.

For the benefit of the readers as well as to the Commission and to Dr Farrugia, may I inform all that in last Tuesday 27 April, 2010 edition of the Government Gazette, a call for applications was issued inviting eligible applicants to apply for the position of Children’s Advocate.

The call should see the recruitment of two such officers and the Courts of Justice Division will also be making representations with the competent authorities to have this number doubled to four.

May I also add that the requests to have an advocate appointed to safeguard the interests of the child were acceded to on 23 occasions in 2008, 24 instances during last year and 17 cases up to the 21 April of the current year.

KEVIN MAHONEY

Director General (Courts)

Valletta