The first sitting of the House of Representatives in the new parliament building designed by Renzo Piano will be held on Monday May 4, the House Business Committee decided.
The decision followed an extensive presentation by Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation chairman Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, who said that the major outstanding work consisted of testing and commissioning, mostly of the congress system in the chamber.
Many spaces have already been handed over from contractors to GHRC.
Parliamentary staff could start moving in stages from March 27.
The Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, presiding over the committee, surprised members by announcing that the Armed Forces of Malta had turned down the request to mount security for the Parliament building. This in spite of the fact that the committee had already minuted that security should be entrusted to the AFM.
The security operation, which has special requirements due to the all-round openness of the building, will now be provided by the Police.
Dr Farrugia said that the online parliamentary television channel would finally become a reality with the opening of the new Parliament.
Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi said all offices for the Speaker, the government and the opposition were ready as were the committee rooms other than the installation of cameras and steaming equipment. The reception area will be complete this week.
In the Chamber, works are practically ready other than some finishing on the desks, including leather covers.
Building certification so far has been satisfactory and is expected to be completed by the end of March. He suggested familiarisation visits for MPs should now be held.
Dr Zrinzo said the size of desks in the Chamber was reduced because of limited space, but the desk tops will flip over for those who wish to rise to speak.
The Chamber has extensive translation facilities.
Work on the library has not been completed yet, with design and procurement still to take place. For the time being, the library will continue to be housed in the Palace. Committee meetings may also need to continue to be held at the Palace until the streaming facilities in the committee rooms of the new building are ready.
No area had been identified for a cafeteria but one may be sited in the former train station, underground.
The Speaker said requests were being made for parking to be reserved outside the building and near the Central Bank.