Four new Cabinet committees to be set up

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday announced four new committees within his Cabinet to optimise the use of resources and create a better synergy between ministries.

There will be a committee for the environment, which will be presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg; another on social policy, presided over by Education Minister Louis Galea; one on competitiveness, presided over by Investment Promotion Minister John Dalli and a committee on national projects, presided over by Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt.

Dr Gonzi explained the idea behind the four committees was to ensure that the ministries functioned in a better, more coordinated way.

The committees will also be able to rope in other entities that could make a contribution to their work.

"The plan is to keep the previous system of a Cabinet meeting every Monday while these new committees will function with their agenda of specific targets," he said.

Dr Gonzi was yesterday evening speaking at a press conference right after his new Cabinet was sworn in at the Palace, in Valletta. The Cabinet met for the first time following the press conference.

"We are in a new era facing the beginning of a new reality where we will see Malta grow within the EU. I can guarantee that the new team is geared to be of service to the country," he said.

However, Dr Gonzi insisted that the government would not achieve success if it did not have the backing of the social partners and non-governmental organisations.

"We also need the active participation of the opposition. I look forward to a healthy, animated debate in parliament. But I hope we can come together on various matters in the interest of the island's common good. I am particularly referring to the role the opposition can play in the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development."

Asked if he decided to keep the finance ministry under his wing because he could not find anyone else to do the job, Dr Gonzi answered quickly and with a smile: "I offered myself the job and I took it".

"My decision means I am giving this portfolio the utmost importance to ensure we can put the country's finances on sound foundations. It is a sector of utmost priority," he said.

On the appointment of three women in his new Cabinet, Dr Gonzi insisted they were chosen because he believed in their capabilities and not because they were women.

Over the past few days there has been much discussion in the country over whether Dr Gonzi should take the opportunity to carry out a major reshuffle.

Dr Gonzi said the Nationalist government had only been elected to power 11 months ago and he felt that, with a few tweaks here and there, the government's policies could be brought to fruition. "I have faith in my team," he insisted.

He was also asked if he had offered other MPs a particular portfolio which they refused.

"Well, I wished that I could have had everybody on board because there are so many MPs with potential and I plan to make the best use of their capabilities. However, there was a person to whom I offered a position within my Cabinet but he did not accept for the sole reason that he believed he could better offer his capabilities elsewhere," he said, without mentioning names.

At the press conference he also highlighted the government's main priorities which include:

¤ Exploiting all the opportunities offered by EU membership.

¤ Strengthening the country's financial situation.

¤ Creating new work opportunities by attracting foreign investment to Malta.

¤ Ensuring the economy continues to grow, with particular attention to the tourism industry.

¤ Making Malta more competitive beyond its shores.

¤ Giving great attention to roads and capital projects.

¤ Paying attention to development and waste management.

¤ Guaranteeing that nobody lags behind and ensuring a sustainable welfare system.

¤ Investing more in education and research.

¤ Having a coordinated government to ensure it reaches its goals and moves forward.