John Dalli sets out his priorities - applauded at introduction
'There is no reason why poor people should suffer poor health'
John Dalli set out his priorities for health and consumer affairs when a few minutes ago he appeared before Members of the European Parliament at the opening of the hearing ahead of his appointment as EU Commissioner.
At the opening of an address before facing questioning, Mr Dalli spoke on his experience as Minister of Social Policy, a portfolio which he said had brought him closer to the people.
The people, he said, were at the core of his objectives.
Turning to the Maltese language, he said that his theme is "People first, Consumers first".
"I will be objective and independent as I tackle issues which I have seen. I will contribute my experience as someone who has always sought consensus," Mr Dalli said.
He said he wanted to see Europeans live longer and better through healthy eating and by having total access to the best medical care.
"My vision is of a well informed consumer who can take informed decisions on the products which are available and who can influence decisions taken in high places," Mr Dalli said.
"I am committed that consumers should enjoy the highest level of protection on food safety."
Mr Dalli also stressed the importance of sustainability of health services and affordability of medicines.
"There is no reasons why poor people should suffer poor health," Mr Dalli said to applause.
He said he would also tackle measures to counter the causes of hospitalisation, including drug and alcohol abuse.
In other sections of his speech he also spoke on the need for better patient information on medicines and measures to counter counterfeiting in the health sector.
Mr Dalli concluded his introduction to applause.
The hearing is being carried live on timesofmalta.com. See capsule above.
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ian spiteri bailey
Jan 15th 2010, 08:03
Thumbs Up and a big thank you for our Maltese outgoing EU Commissioner Joe Borg and a big welcome to an equally capable person such as John Dalli.
"People First Consumers First" should not be the guiding principle for John Dalli's Office only, but for all the rest of the Commissioners, should the EU really want to get closer to the People.
So - well done John for introducing yourself with this principle and Good luck.
M Farrugia
Jan 14th 2010, 21:05
@ John Schembri.
B'Johnny Dalli il-Gvern Malti se ikollok par idejn sodi ukoll fl-Ewropa. John Dalli huwa waħda mill-par idejn sodi mill-hafna pari li ghandu l-P.N. In-nuqqas tieghu se jinhass zgur imma ninsab cert li minhabba li l-P.N. mhux partit ta nies suppervi zgur li jibqa jigi kkonsultat. Flok John Dalli zgur li l-partit isib lil xi hadd tajjeb biex jiehu post ghax hemm minfejn taghzel. Zgur li l-P.N. mhux se jibdel l-istruttura għax ma isibx lil min jaghmel bhal ma gara dan l-ahhar fil-P.L.
N.Calleja
Jan 14th 2010, 16:57
Not only we have excellent ministers, now we are also exporting them!! Who once said that we are 'makku' must be swallowing his words!!
CFarrugia
Jan 14th 2010, 16:07
Overall well done. it wasn't easy to answer to those questions in a short time. But Mr Dalli proved he can cope well under stress. Prosit!! It was also positive that he always showed he was ready to cooperate and listen to MEP's and their suggestions, I think they appreciated that
Joe Micallef
Jan 14th 2010, 14:20
As expected, so far he has been exceptional!
John Schembri
Jan 14th 2010, 14:11
We lost this man, as a possible leader of our country. These were par idejn sodi, not what we have now.
CFarrugia
Jan 14th 2010, 13:50
I am listening to the live transmission. the problem seems to be that Hon Dalli fails to give concrete statements of how he wants to reach the aims he listed in the first 10 minute introduction. many MEP's want more concrete suggestions from him
Karl Abela
Jan 14th 2010, 13:34
Make us proud Johnny!