Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning that he will be having a meeting with ministers to chart the way forward for a 'coherent' policy and legislation on fireworks factories.

He was replying to questions after media reports that an application has been submitted to Mepa for the rebuilding of a fireworks factory in Gharb where four people died last November. See http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130318/local/application-seeks-rebuilding-of-gharb-fireworks-factory.461914

Dr Muscat said the Gharb development application would follow the normal Mepa process.

Speaking in general terms, he said that one had to keep a balance, and research showed that not issuing permits for fireworks factories did not mean that fireworks were not made. Indeed, there was a risk of the industry being driven underground, with the related risks.

He said he would hold a meeting with ministers next week to discuss a coherent policy on fireworks factories and to ensure that a report on fireworks presented to the government last year was implemented.