Parliament this evening approved the appointment to new chairpersons for two of its committees – the changes were needed after Deborah Schembri was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary for Planning.

PL MP Anthony Agius Decelis was appointed chairperson of the Social Affairs Committee, replacing Dr Schembri.

Mr Agius Decelis’ role as chairperson of the Family Affairs Committee has now been taken over by Government Whip Godfrey Farrugia.

A third motion, for former Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca to be appointed Chairperson of the Parliamentary Environment Committee, replacing Marlene Farrugia, who became an independent MP in October, was postponed.

The motions were moved by Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech.