The government this evening stood by its decision to give priority to the Budget Measures Bill in Parliament.

It was reacting to a press conference by Opposition leader Joseph Muscat, who said the opposition has given notice of two motions for immediate debate of motions on justice and home affairs and on the actions of the permanent representative to the EU, Richard Cachia Caruana (see separate story)

The government said it was reiterating the position agreed by the PN parliamentary group that the agenda of the House should give priority to the Budget Measures Bill, which is currently in second reading stage and which will be put to the vote on May 9.

In the meantime, a Bill related to the setting up of the special purpose vehicle to finance the City Gate project would also be moved, debated and voted upon.

The government said that in terms of an agreement reached by the Opposition yesterday, a Bill to extend the membership of the MCESD would also be published so that a debate could be held on Monday April 30. The purpose was for the bill to be approved through all stages possibly in two sittings.

"All other business, including the two motions presented by the opposition today should be debated after May 9 and as decided by the House Business Committee, the government said.