For the first time ever in the transmission of a Parliamentary sitting, sign language will be used on Channel 22 during the screening of the Budget speech.

Mr Speaker Michael Frendo informed the House that the decision was being 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 Budget sittings.

The Budget speech will be read by Finance Minister Tonio Fenech on Monday during an evening sitting.

Following the replies by Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat and Prime Minister Lawrence 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 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.