The parliamentary committee discussing important constitutional and legal changes to strengthen democracy has only met once in the past nine months, Speaker Louis Galea has confirmed.
The committee met six times between July and October last year when it was set up by a parliamentary motion proposed by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.
However, Dr Galea, who chairs the committee, told The Sunday Times that after the sixth session on October 24 the committee only met once when "further division of labour was agreed".
It is not clear when the committee will conclude its work on any of the issues.
An interim report was published on October 31 giving details about the meetings held without entering into the issues. Dr Galea confirmed that no progress report has been published since then.
He said that committee members from both sides of the House had drafted reports dealing with standing orders, parliamentary autonomy, broadcasting, public financing of political parties and strengthening the Office of the Ombudsman.
Informal discussions were also held regarding issues related to the electoral system and process.
Dr Galea did not say whether the draft reports would be published to encourage public discussion, but insisted that during the summer recess he would be bringing together the committee members for "further informal discussions" on the topics dealt with so far and other referred to in the resolution setting up the Select Committee. The Select Committee was appointed last year after the leaders of the two major parties agreed to start discussing key issues such as electoral reform, party financing and broadcasting.
The Nationalist Party appointed Tonio Borg, Austin Gatt and Francis Zammit Dimech as its representatives on the committee while Labour nominated Anġlu Farrugia, Charles Mangion and Karmenu Vella.
Michael Frendo, Beppe Fenech Adami and Charlo Bonnici are substitute PN members while Evarist Bartolo, Michael Falzon and George Vella are the substitute PL nominees.
The Speaker chairs the committee and in his absence deputy speaker Carmelo Abela takes over.
Both parties have been secretive on the discussions taking place behind closed doors, although a public consultation meeting was held during one of the sittings.
The Sunday Times had revealed earlier this year that on State funding of political parties the PL had proposed that political parties should receive an annual contribution from the government of €5 for each vote obtained at the last general election.
The move would cost the taxpayer €7.2 million over five years. The PL also insisted that political parties should disclose the identity of those making donations above a certain amount and had proposed that the Auditor General should audit the accounts of both parties.
Labour's position paper was tabled by MP Charles Mangion, but when contacted he was reluctant to give details.
"The committee had unanimously agreed that only the Speaker shall comment on specifics of discussions - and this in order to ensure a successful outcome out of the discussions," he had said.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com