The House of Representatives today approved the Budget estimates of the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Home Affairs, the Infrastructure and IT, Health and the Ministry for Gozo.

The votes, taken after a division, were 35 government votes in favour and 34 opposition votes against.

Nationalist MP Franco Debono had raised some doubts earlier in the week when he replied 'wait and see' when asked how he would vote on the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, about which he had been critical. His comments were made a day before the prime minister announced that he was considering splitting the ministerial portfolios of justice and home affairs, something which Dr Debono had long called for.

After today's vote, Dr Debono said his criticism had been about aspects of the Criminal Code and wider constitutional and justice issues, and it was clear that concrete steps would be taken about them by the government. 

Opposition motions for a deduction of €500 per week from the ministers' salaries - their honoraria as MPs - were defeated by the same margin.

The House today also approved the budgets of the Employment and Training Corporation, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, the Housing Authority and Mepa.

The Budget debate continues next week.