Effective consultation at Meusac

I refer to the commentary by Harry Vassallo, The Maggots at Work (November 14).

I wish to reassure Dr Vassallo and put his mind at rest that Meusac is not "a façade for consultation". The first few months of the revived consultation process in relation to EU matters has witnessed a very valid contribution by the four political parties (AD representative Carmel Cacopardo included) and the social partners, and the willingness of government ministers and senior officials to listen to the diverse views expressed around the table.

Three months is indeed a very short period in which to pass judgment on the validity of the Meusac process. No system is perfect yet I am convinced that with the goodwill prevalent at the core group meetings, it can be refined so as to meet the expectations of the government, the political parties, the social partners and civil society - no easy task I admit, but one which my colleagues and I are determined to facilitate.