Prime Minister upbeat on talks with unions

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday augured that the long-drawn-out discussions with the unions on water and electricity tariffs would be finalised in the coming days.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech will be meeting the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprise - GRTU today, he said.

Dr Gonzi described Saturday's meetings with the unions as the continuation of a mature discussion that sought the country's interests.

Speaking at the PN offices in Victoria, he stressed his confidence in achieving the government's aim to bring about a culture change in the country's approach to the environment, based on the idea that "every minute of energy costs major resources".

Dr Gonzi insisted that the education debate had to be national and free from partisan interests. Referring to the Cospicua primary school, he strongly disagreed with labelling children from particular areas, saying all were clever and teachers were doing their best.

The education system had to change gradually, without any shocks, he said, adding that it had to take advantage of every child's potential, bringing out strengths and focusing on weaknesses.

Exams would remain but will not be a matter of life and death but would be part of a year-long process of monitoring and assessments to ease stress.

Dr Gonzi said the financial turmoil did not mean "retreating like a snail into a shell" but remaining strong and grabbing opportunities, which was what the government was doing.

Despite the situation, the country was still progressing and has experienced a record year in tourism, he said.

Next year would see the start of many of infrastructural projects to keep the economic motor going.

Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono said a document, containing feedback on the Eco Gozo project, should be in hand by the end of the year and a policy ready two months later.

Mrs Debono said 25 meetings were held with stakeholders for feedback on Eco Gozo, the government's vision for 2015.

The consultation process on turning Gozo into an ecological island had attracted 1,500 suggestions and a survey, involving 400 respondents, should shed more light on how to tackle the proposal.

Mrs Debono listed funding allocated to Gozo, including €700,000 for its public transport reform; €16 million on three main roads between 2009 and 2010; €800,000 for the elderly; €9.5 million for Ġgantija and €5 million for Żewwieq in Mġarr.

The Citadella's many treasures are being tackled holistically and a tender for a master plan, to the tune of €300,000, has been issued, with works that started in October expected to be completed in 2010. The study would allow for more professional management of this jewel, the minister said.

A master plan has also been issued to boost Marsalforn and Xlendi bays and cater for their problems, Mrs Debono said.

Investment was being planned for new schools in Gozo, while Gozitan students studying in Malta had over €1 million poured directly into their pockets to compensate for their extra costs, increasing their number to 939.

Mrs Debono said the employment situation was not the ideal but new investment in Gozo would be announced in coming weeks.

Ferry crossings between Gozo and Malta had exploded to 3.5 million passengers and 900,000 cars from January to last month, Mrs Debono said, adding that the Qala training hotel, which has started operating, would soon be officially opened.