The PN this morning expressed concern that the Director-General of the National Statistics Office, Michael Pace-Ross, had not been reappointed, and no announcement was made by the Malta Statistics Authority on his replacement.

The government replied that the Director-General had reached the end of his contract and was not re-appointed. Joseph Bonbello was appointed acting director, and an announcement was made in the Government Gazette.

In its statement, the party said it was concerned that the news about Mr Pace Ross had to be revealed by the media. It asked why this decision was kept under wraps and hoped that the government was not involving itself in the National Statistics Office,  which had to remain independent.

The party appealed to the authority to ensure that the transition period was a short one for the benefit of the office and its credibility. It said it expected the director general to be chosen by the authority, independently from the government and in observance to the Eurostat Code of Practice.

GOVERNMENT REACTION

In a reaction, the government said Mr Pace Ross’ three year term expired and it had been decided that a fresh international call for applications should be issued.

Joseph Bonello was appointed Acting Director General of the National Statistics Office for an interim period.

The Malta Statistics Authority informed Eurostat on November 7 and the announcement was made in the Government Gazette on the same day.

"One should note that during the previous administration, the post of Director General was left vacant for nearly two years – from January 2007 to November 2008," the government said.

"The Nationalist administration appointed Mr Pace Ross as DG and the current government retained Mr Pace Ross until the end of his contract. He can re-apply for the post together with other suitable applicants."