Permanent Secretaries from across the government met on Wednesday to discuss the aftermath of Storm Harry.

On Wednesday morning, the highest forum of the public administration convened, during which the administration’s priorities were discussed in response to the effects of the cyclone that struck Malta on Tuesday, the Office of the Permanent Secretary said in a statement.

The forum, chaired by the Head of the Public Service, Tony Sultana, was attended by the permanent secretaries of every ministry.

It was reiterated that, at this stage, the first priority is to remove, wherever possible, all the dangers brought about by the storm, as well as to carry out general clean-up operations everywhere. Sultana emphasised that, at present, everyone must contribute their share so that the administration works together for the common good of all, in line with the established priorities.

“After this phase of hazard removal and clean-up, the administration will proceed to assess and support those who were negatively affected by the storm and those who suffered damage. This will be done through an evaluation of existing support schemes and through the public administration’s management of these schemes,” the office said in a statement.

In administering these schemes, various factors must be taken into account, including European Union rules and sustainability, so that the schemes operate in as fair a manner as possible, the statement continued.

The Principal Permanent Secretary, Mr Tony Sultana, thanked all public administration employees for once again demonstrating that, in times of challenge, they stand at the forefront of society. He stated that this is further proof that the investments being made by the Government in the administration are appreciated and are yielding results.