As was expected, soon after the outcome of the referendum, another discussion started. First it was about the result itself and various ideas and interpretations of it were put forward. Secondly it was about the way ahead, now that the majority of the voters approved the introduction of divorce, and how the members of Parliament will vote

This is still ongoing and journalists are chasing after MPs to ask them this question. Personally I declared what I will do weeks before the referendum. I said that I feel morally bound that if we opted to go for a referendum to know the people’s opinion, then I feel that should abide by it. And that is why in Parliament I will vote in favour of the bill.

So now it is a matter of time. Our country will introduce divorce. Maltese Courts will be able to decree that a marriage has ended. So far, divorce is recognised and accepted if it is obtained from a foreign Court.

But families will still face a number of problems and challenges. This was something that I used to say and repeat; with or without the introduction of divorce we as a country should do something to try and minimise the difficulties people face, and moreover to try and help those who are experiencing some kind of trouble. It is not enough to declare that we want stable families when in reality we know that problems within families and between couples will always be there.

And that is why more than two months ago, together with my colleagues Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Justyne Caruana, we tabled a motion in Parliament to discuss the setting up of a Standing Committee in Parliament for the Family. The terms of reference for this new Parliamentary Committee were also spelled out in the motion and are diverse. The debate started in the first sitting after the result of the referendum. This was a mere coincidence rather than something which was planned, but it was also a sign that we Members of Parliament want stronger families and will try to work for this.

Now the question is: will this Standing Committee solve the problems that families and relationships are facing? The answer is very clear – no. However, in accordance with the terms of reference that the Committee has, MPs will be proactive to analyse existing legislation and proposed bills to see how these affect the family and whether they add to their burdens. A social impact assessment of these will be made to evaluate the effect of such legislation on the family and children.

This Standing Committee will closely work with NGOs and with national entities such as the National Commission for the Family, which needs to be set up on a permanent basis, the Institute for the Family at the University of Malta, the Commissioner for Children, the Youth Agency, the Commission for People with Disability, the Department for the Elderly and with the Commission for the Promotion of Equalities among others. These will have a voice in the committee and their work can be better coordinated in my opinion. There are other things that hopefully this Standing Committee will do.

But, in my view, it was very positive that the government and Opposition agreed on this Committee. From the Government side, at first they came up with the idea to have a sub-committee under the Social Affairs Committee. For us this was not acceptable since such an important issue will not be given its due attention. We informally discussed with the government and the idea of a sub-committee was withdrawn. There were some other amendments from the Government side which we felt would improve our motion and as such these were accepted from our side. So Parliament agreed on a motion that was acceptable to both sides and the message from this institution is that we are ready to work together in this Committee for the benefit of the families. The responsibility of implementing measures will still be in the government’s hands but for sure this Committee will be more focused on family issues and as such will be in a better position to suggest and put pressure on the government of the day on issues related to the family.

Basically, every issue and subject is in some way or another related to the family, not least the fiscal and economical policy. We know that nowadays families are struggling to make ends meet. I hope that the government realises this and will ease the burden by reducing the energy tariffs and try to ease the hardships from the families. This would be the best policy for the family and it will also be a good start.

Carmelo Abela MP is Labour Main Spokesperson for Social Policy

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