Consultative role of MCESD

The role of the Malta Council of Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is once again in the news.

NCW believes that the strength of the MCESD lies in its consultative independent role. Bringing together wide, balanced representation of the different sectors of our society in a consultation process that is shaped on EU principles and practices is an important step forward in the course of our democratisation and would make every individual proud that his/her opinion counts.

NCW believes that society is an essential part of the MCESD. For years, NCW has been addressing Government and past chairmen on this issue. The expertise in different areas of civil society organisations should not be wasted, nor should it be underestimated.

NCW agrees that there is the need to strengthen the council's working methods, through structures that provide for sub-group meetings, as has been suggested earlier by different social partners. This will give space to representatives from all groups specialised in the topic under discussion to study, debate and come up with a single document well ahead of the MCESD meeting for all members.

In the final phase of the MCESD meetings a single document is tabled, limiting the debate to areas of controversy only, if necessary.

Whatever measures are taken, we must make sure that the MCESD process of consultation remains unobstructed and democratic. In view of this, NCW reiterates that proposals being brought forward must be treated with foresight and evaluated in the overall interest of the country.