Government's discussions with Nicolette Ghirxi's family regarding what the independent inquiry into her murder will be tackling are still ongoing and will remain confidential out of respect to the victim and her family, Justice Minister Jonathan Attard said Monday.

Speaking to The Malta Independent after a press conference launching the first phase of the Family Court reforms, Attard and Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon were asked for an update with regards to the Ghirxi family's request for the launch of an open and transparent independent inquiry into her death.

48-year-old Ghirxi was found dead in her Swatar residence on 12 August of this year, allegedly killed by her former Irish partner Edward Johnston, who was then shot dead by police in St Julian's after a three-hour standoff.

Since then, the family's lawyer Joseph Borda has insisted on their behalf that an independent inquiry into the crime be launched by the Prime Minister himself.

So far, government has only agreed with the family to discuss the expansion of the terms of reference of an independent inquiry that had been announced by Minister Falzon.

On 2 September, the family's lawyer, Joseph Borda had said on social media that following a meeting with the ministers that they were soon to start discussing the terms of reference of an independent inquiry. He posted that the family was clear that it wants a wide and open inquiry and that on the other hand it seemed that the government wanted to use the inquiry launched by Minister Falzon and widen the terms of reference with the family. He said that from a legal standpoint they showed concern about this practice "because the law is clear that a Minister can only open an inquiry on matters falling under his responsibility" and that it is only the Prime Minister who can open an inquiry with a wide scope according to Article 4 of the Inquiries Act. "For now we will see where we arrive on the terms of reference," he had written.

Responding to a question by this newsroom, Minister Attard said that while discussions with the family are still ongoing, he reminded that there is currently an ongoing magisterial inquiry, an inquiry launched by the Social Policy Minister led by Judge Emeritus Lawrence Quintano, as well as an independent inquiry by the Police Complaints Board presided over by Judge Geoffrey Valenzia.

"We believe that in these circumstances, it would be more opportune and respectful, in the victim's and her family's regard, that the discussions remain confidential," Attard said.

He continued that the Ministers have met with the family, and have committed themselves to ensure that an answer is given to any questions which need an answer, to ensure that justice is truly done.

Attard said that Prime Minister Robert Abela has also scheduled a meeting with the family.

Falzon then said that a "crucial point" which "everyone is forgetting" is that the inquiry led by Quintano is a "totally independent" inquiry.

He said that the inquiry is an independent one according to the law, and there is nothing which keeps Judge Quintano from investigating all points which need to be investigated, and publishing the inquiry results.