There is no deadline yet for hiving off the environment portfolio from the planning authority but the government wanted this to be done in the smoothest of ways, according to the Environment Minister.

Leo Brincat said the transition that would see the creation of two separate authorities - planning and development, environment and resources - had to be planned well.

He was answering a question by Times of Malta about the process to split the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, a Labour electoral pledge.

"We intend moving ahead without undue delay, in a fast and smooth way as possible," he said, adding the legislative framework to cater for the split was almost ready.

Mr Brincat was addressing a press conference on a new Bill the government will unveil shortly related to climate change.

He said the proposed law, approved by Cabinet, will be discussed at the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development, various stakeholders and the Opposition.

The Bill will cover five aspects: it will make provisions for the preparation of greenhouse gases inventories, propose a national low carbon strategy, outline a strategy for climate change action, create an inter-ministerial climate action board and set up a climate action fund.

Mr Brincat stressed that climate change action had to be the focus of all the government and not just one ministry.

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