The finalisation of the National Drug Policy and the National Gambling Policy are priorities which will pave the way for more plans and strategies directly targeting vulnerable people, Social Solidarity Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said.

Speaking during a visit Aġenzija Sedqa this morning, the minister said that the policies had been drafted out but were never implemented.

The aim was to sift through all the drafts and present a final national policy. Social policy, the minister added, must be an integrated one, involving the input of all entities which in some way are involved in providing a service for the community and vulnerable people.   

More extensive research is needed to closely examine the local scenario. Surveys carried out by the European School Survey Project published last year expose Malta’s failings. According to statistics, the average percentage of consumption of alcohol among 16-year-olds was 79 per cent. Malta stood at 86 per cent.

Ms Coleiro Preca also said that outreach must be increased, with agencies such as Sedqa actively seeking out those in need and not merely await to be approached.

She said that the Government intends to use the €7 million of the European Social Fund which had not been allocated by the previous administration for the 2007-2013 period, adding that it would be a great pity if the funds were lost due to lack of planning.