A decision for MPs to receive a €1,500 travel allowance instead of four free Air Malta flight tickets per year has been reversed.

The matter was raised by Opposition whip Joe Mizzi during a meeting of the House Business Committee today. He asked the government what the position was about the allowances given to MPs for air travel, mail and telephones.

Foreign Minister Tonio Borg, Leader of the House, said there was 'no change'.

Earlier this year it was announced that MPs would this year receive an annual €1,500 travel allowance to replace the free tickets scheme which Air Malta had decided to discontinue.

Air Malta had for a number of years granted four free air tickets to every sitting MP annually for family or relatives. MPs only had to pay taxes on these economy-class tickets and could fly to any of the destinations served by the national airline at the time.

However, in January, amid the furore over the increase in MPs' honoraria, the government decided to stop all changes regarding the package given to MPs until the issue was discussed by a parliamentary committee.

Informed sources contacted by timesofmalta said that so far this year MPs had received neither any free tickets from Air Malta, nor a travel allowance.

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