Proposed changes to the Code of Ethics for Members of Parliament are set for a parliamentary debate after government and the Opposition reached agreement for that to happen during a Standards Committee sitting, though the Opposition flagged a number of shortcomings to be discussed.

During Monday's Standards in Public Life Committee sitting, Speaker Anglu Farrugia informed members that he had, in a previous meeting, circulated a letter received from Justice Minister Jonathan Attard, in which the Minister requested that the committee examine a series of proposed amendments to the existing code of ethics.

The Speaker explained that the Minister had already presented the proposals to the Committee, accompanied by a detailed explanation, and copies of the amendments had been distributed once again ahead of the discussion.

He said that the purpose of Monday's meeting was to hear the Opposition's reaction and to determine the way forward.

Reference was made during the discussion to the issue of asset declarations submitted by Members of Parliament, with the Speaker saying that these should be made accessible to both journalists and the general public more easily.

He said that this was a matter which would ultimately require parliamentary discussion, adding that there appeared to be agreement on the principle.

Minister Attard confirmed that the government intended to table the declarations of assets of MPS in Parliament, explaining that once these are formally presented by Members of the House, they would become publicly available.

He added that the declarations would also be published online once tabled, further strengthening public accessibility.

Speaking on behalf of the Opposition, PN MP Mark Anthony Sammut said that, in principle, there was no objection to the proposed amendments being taken to Parliament for discussion.

However, he listed a number of shortcomings that needed to be addressed during the parliamentary stage.

Sammut said that certain ethical standards which apply to Ministers in the exercise of their parliamentary duties were not explicitly reflected in the current code.

He also raised concern over changes that reduced obligations relating to the declaration of property, and the removal of references to spouses, arguing that such information should remain part of transparency requirements.

Sammut also said that members of Cabinet, while serving as MPs, also form part of the executive branch, and should therefore be required to submit declarations in that capacity as well.

While describing these as the main issues requiring attention, Sammut said additional points could be raised during the parliamentary debate.

The Speaker concluded that, in light of the agreement reached, the committee would proceed in line with the relevant provisions of the law, allowing the Minister to bring the matter before Parliament by way of a resolution.

Farrugia said he would report the outcome of the meeting Parliament on Monday, paving the way for the discussion and subsequent steps, including the possible publication of a legal notice.

The committee ultimately agreed that the proposed amendments can proceed to parliamentary debate.

In a statement, the Labour Party said that it is in favour of publishing the declaration of assets of all MPs

It said that at a meeting held on Monday, government supported a proposal put forward by the Committee Chair and Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, to give easier access to the public and the media of the MPs declaration of assets.

"Government proposed that the register of assets for all MPs be tabled in Parliament and published. This will be another reform that strengthens accountability and transparency in the country's highest institution, as has already been done in other areas such as justice and governance," the PL said.

It said that the Committee unanimously agreed that the amendments put forward by government should proceed to the next parliamentary stage, namely debate in a plenary session.