The parliamentary select committee set up between the government and the opposition to discuss a number of national issues met for the first time yesterday.

The meeting was presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Louis Galea.

The committee agreed to initiate a dialogue with all interested parties and with civil society at an early stage.

It extended an invitation for the submission of opinions, suggestions or recommendations to be sent to selectcommitt@gov.mt or by post addressed to Mr Speaker, Parliamentary Select Committee, House of Representatives, Valletta.

The committee discussed a work programme and highlighted its intention to work in a spirit of open dialogue unhampered by prejudice.

It pledged to do its best to arrive at concrete recommendations on a consensus basis and in the best possible national interest.

Among the issues to be discussed by the committee are the strengthening of Parliament's role, the Permanent Commission against Corruption and the Office of the Ombudsman, possible legislation on the financing of political parties, improvements in the electoral system, legislation limiting possible conflicts of interest of MPs, ministers and parliamentary secretaries and broadcasting.

The government side was led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tonio Borg. The Labour deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, Anġlu Farrugia led the opposition members.