Budget debate programme - Sign language for budget replies

For the first time ever in the transmission of a Parliamentary sitting, the sign language will be used on Channel 22 during the screening of the Budget reply by Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat on Monday and Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s reaction two days later.

Mr Speaker Michael Frendo informed the House that the decision was taken after a request made last Thursday during a sitting of Parliament for people with disability.

The Speaker’s statement followed the approval of two procedural motions moved by Leader of the House Tonio Borg regulating the Budget sittings.

Following the replies by Dr Muscat and Dr Gonzi, discussion on the ministerial votes will start on Monday, November 28 with a four-hour sitting to discuss the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs between 5.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.

Other votes will be taken as follows:

Wednesday, November 30 (morning): Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Wednesday, November 30 (evening): Ministry for Gozo;

Thursday, December 1 (evening): Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications;

Friday, December 2 (morning): Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs;

Wednesday, December 7 (morning): Ministry for Health, the Elderly and Community Care;

Wednesday, December 7 (evening): Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investment;

Saturday, December 10 (morning): Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family;

Monday, December 12 (afternoon): Office of the Prime Minister;

Wednesday, December 14 (morning): Office of the Prime Minister (continuation) and Appropriation Bill.