Government to press on with pensions reform

Social Policy Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday said it was important that the general parameters of pension reform be established and possibly announced by the coming budget.

He was addressing a seminar on pension reform organised by the Federation of Professional Associations.

He said that by Saturday the government intended to present its reactions to the proposals made by Welfare Commission chairman Joseph Schembri. It would then continue discussing the issue within the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development.

Trade unions are ratcheting up the pressure on the government to refrain from introducing any pension reforms by the coming budget.

Dr Gonzi stressed that his government believed in cooperation and not confrontation.

It was determined to eliminate any abuses, and was even considering the possibility of introducing tough penalties against those who repeatedly flouted the law.

This government had an established record in its fight against abuse, to the extent of managing to save Lm11 million in fraudulent payments in children's allowances in the last four years, said Dr Gonzi.