Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said yesterday that Malta could introduce a new financial service by setting up a tribunal on the island for the settlement of litigation between foreign individuals and companies under international regulations.
Dr Bonnici was winding up the debate on the financial estimates of his ministry which also includes local councils and culture. He spoke at length on measures taken to address the backlog of work at the courts and said that another judge needed to be appointed in the Court of Appeal.
He criticised Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami for remarks they had passed on members of the judiciary.
The judiciary proved it was not afraid of making decisions that embarrassed ministers
Dr Bonnici said they could criticise ministers as much as they wanted to but they had to be careful how to criticise judges and magistrates. Members of the judiciary had, over the years, given proof that they were not afraid of making decisions which embarrassed ministers and governments.
Dr Bonnici listed a number of Bills approved by the House of Representatives which were intended to fight corruption and give new rights to people under arrest.
This was further proof of the government’s commitment in this area, he said, brushing off any remarks of cover-up allegations against the government.
He referred to the introduction of court video conferencing in Gozo, adding that, if this proved a success, it would be also introduced in Malta. Other measures during the year included the setting up of the Administrative Directorate dealing with policy and services.
Dr Bonnici said the large number of cultural activities taking place showed what cultural energy there was in the country, contradicting Dr Busuttil’s remarks that the government lacked a cultural vision.
In 25 years a PN administration had failed to provide a carnival village, this being a dream soon to be realised. The government had also set up a national dance company and plans were under way for the setting up of a fashion design museum in Valletta.
Work on the Museum of the Arts was being carried out. The old abattoir in Valletta would also be transformed into a design cluster.
He said it was his wish to restore the Old Power House in Floriana to be transformed into a Museum of Contemporary Arts. He called on the private sector to participate in this project.
The Arts Council, he said, would be reformed, giving it the authority to administer funds, organise festivals and establish clear policies.
Godfrey Farrugia said that debts of certain local councils could be avoided – it was shameful that some of them had debts of over €1 million.
On the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes, Dr Farrugia thanked Dr Bonnici for understanding his proposal.
While cannabis was not a medical cure, scientific analysis showed that, if used properly, it could relieve certain symptoms of oncological illnesses.
Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Buontempo said the government was working to strengthen local councils and make them more effective. Their allocation was being increased by €1 million to €32 million while making it more possible for them to apply for EU funds.
Last year, for the first time since 2008, local councils had succeeded in reducing their debts which had been on the increase ever since the Public Private Partnership for the infrastructure of roads was put in place.
Until 2010, debts were growing by €1 million a year, reaching €4.4 million in 2011 alone and reaching €22 million by the end of 2012.