Pyrotechnical products

I read with great interest John Michael Mizzi's letter on the EU directive on the placing on the market of pyrotechnical products (March 28).

I wish to point out that this directive does not in any way deal with regulations governing the letting off of fireworks. This is an area of legislation which is in the hands of member states. Thus, unfortunately, Mr Mizzi's justifiable concern on safety at the school he mentions would not be addressed by the said directive. It is up to the local authorities to decide on such regulations.

I would also like to spell out clearly my stand on this directive. I am very familiar with the people in this sector, since members of my family have been involved in fireworks for decades. Indeed, the victims Mr Mizzi mentions in his letter were friends of mine.

I have always been clear in my stand, even though I might not always have been popular with this category. I will support any part of any legislation that increases safety in the manufacture of fireworks. I have gone through this directive and have sounded out the European Commission on the issue.

It is clear that the directive was originally aimed at the smaller commercial fireworks which end up being ignited by European consumers during celebrations such as Guy Fawkes and New Year's Day. The sale of such fireworks to consumers is prohibited in Malta. European legislators now seem to be aware that artisinal fireworks (such as those produced in Malta, Spain, Portugal and Italy) let off during licensed and insured events should not fall directly within the scope of this directive. If these are included, the result would simply be that the same modes of production would be maintained but that these would be certified as such, thus resulting only in additional costs. To my mind, the most tangible result of all this would probably be any increase in illegal manufacture.

It would have been much easier for me - or any of my colleagues for that matter - to stay put just because this category is just another minority. I do not believe in this type of politics.

Nevertheless, the fact that this directive does not address the concerns put forward by Mr Mizzi and many other people, does not mean that nothing should be done. I believe that we should tackle these concerns. Firing regulations, the training of people granted a licence and quality of materials are all issues that need to be addressed.

I am more than sure that Maltese and Gozitan people would welcome these steps. Furthermore, I am more than sure that the large majority of responsible fireworks enthusiasts would agree too.

Once again I thank Mr Mizzi for having brought up this important issue on the agenda.