Legal notices to exempt public hospitals from the need for full development permits were issued in August because of fears that emergency action may have been needed when weak concrete was found at Mater Dei Hospital, Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri said in parliament today.

She was speaking during a brief debate on an Opposition motion to strike down the legal notices.

The motion was later withdrawn in view of the government's decision to repeal the legal notices. 

Shadow Minister Marthese Portelli said the opposition had called for the revocation of the legal notices because they violated EU regulations and local development laws.

Parliamentary Secretary Deborah Schembri said the legal notices were issued after weak concrete was found at Mater Dei Hospital. At the time the extent of the problem was not known and there were fears that emergency remedial action would have to be taken. The legal notices would have removed the need for a full development permit.

However use of these measures was not needed and the legal notices were being repealed. Planned extensions to Mater Dei would follow the usual procedures including an environment impact assessment,transport studies and a full development permit. 

Holistic development of the hospital over a period of 10 years would include two new car parks, a new maternity ward, a new outpatients department and other works.

Development would also be carried out at St Luke's, Gozo hospital and Mt Carmel Hospital.

Ryan Callus said it was not true that the legal notices were moved because of possible emergency works. Such works were still possible under EU directives. 

The legal notices would have allowed the ministers to go ahead with projects without environmental studies. This would have been detrimental to neighbours, patients and staff.  

 

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