The Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Planning Michael Falzon today said he respects “genuine” environmental NGOs, but takes the “less genuine” ones with a pinch of salt.

Speaking in Parliament during a debate on the Mepa demerger bill, Dr Falzon said the current status quo at the environment and planning authority Mepa is “not acceptable for anyone.”

People do not refer to Mepa in endearing terms, and everyone criticises the current situation, which did not occur overnight, Dr Falzon said.

The two demerged authorities will need for work together and cooperate, but they will be two separate authorities.

A lot of people have not yet come to terms with the fact that there will now be two separate authorities, he said.

All environmental NGOs bar one have expressed themselves to be in favour of the demerger.

He said constructive suggestions on amendments to the bill will be welcomed by the government.

He said there can be no absolutism when it comes to not permitting development in outside development zones.

Calling for reason, he said the law is a good attempt at trying to find a balance.

The demerger will see the formation of a policy-making organ and a decision-making organ, he said.

One criticism is that the minister responsible for development can regularise illegal developments.

Dr Falzon said the previous administration realised it had to regularise certain developments.