Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has met Renzo Piano in Paris to discuss progress on the €80 million Valletta entrance project, designed by the world renowned Italian architect.

The meeting took place last Tuesday  during the prime minister’s trip to France where he later had talks with President Francois Hollande.

In a statement the Office of the Prime Minister said that during this meeting an explanation was given on the concept of the project, the original brief and future plans.

It added that government will hold wide consultations about the manner in which this project can be developed. Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech was also in attendance.

In recent days government whip Carmelo Abela floated the idea that Parliament should remained at The Palace, following media reports that new parliament building lacks the facilities which were promised when the project was unveiled.

Among the shortcomings cited, were lack of space for MPs to have their own offices, as well as limited facilities for the various parliamentary committees.