Labour MEP Prof Edward Scicluna today called on the European Commission to clarify whether the Maltese government had requested EU funding to pay for a new ID card system.

Prof Scicluna said:

"It is of grave concern that the majority of ID cards in Malta are expired, with their viability dependent on the government issuing a Legal Notice to re-validate them for use in the Maltese islands only. As an EU Member State the situation is also an embarrassment to our island."

In a parliamentary question to the European Commission, Prof Scicluna asked if the government had asked the Commission for EU funding to pay for the replacement of ID cards, whether and when the Commission had agreed, how much money has been committed and about the deadline for the spending of the funds.

Commenting on the fact that Labour MP Leo Brincat had repeatedly raised the issue with Minister Austin Gatt without receiving a satisfactory reply, Prof Scicluna said the government has made a number of claims and counter-claims on ID cards over the past year, putting in doubt when the new system will be put in place.

"Having valid ID cards is a crucially important issue for all citizens living in Malta. It is vital for the freedom of movement of Maltese citizens, and Maltese democracy, that we tackle this issue once and for all."