Public consultation is a regulatory process by which Government seeks to obtain the input of citizens on matters that affect them. Through this form of interaction Government improves the efficiency, transparency and public involvement in the implementation of projects, the enactment of laws and formulation of new policies. During public consultation, Government notifies and informs the public of the project, policy or law that it intends to introduce. Subsequently, a consultation process and an exchange of views, takes place with all interested parties. Finally, constituted bodies and representative organisations are invited to participate in the drafting of policy and legislation. The popularisation of the Internet and the advancement of the Web continues to facilitate the interaction between the public and Government. Online public consultation is part of an inclusive e-Government that uses the Web, e-mail, SMS and other electronic channels to ensure wide access to all those sections of the public that wish to participate in the decision making process. From time to time, Government has launched a number of such online public consultations. Encouraged by take-up, Government is also committed, through the Smart Island National ICT Strategy, to set up an open two-way consultation and feedback generation online channel between the Government and people.

The following are lists of active online public consultation initiatives that are available online and others which have recently closed. Active online public consultation initiatives:

1. Public consultation on role of fathers. The parliamentary Social Affairs Committee is holding a public consultation on the role of the father within the family and in the upbringing of children. The document can be seen at http://www.parliament.gov.mt/socialaffairscommittee. Submissions from the public may be sent to Hon. Edwin Vassallo MP, Committee Chairman, House of Representatives Valletta or on email address: socialaffairs.parliament@gov.mt

2. Consultation document on the Strengthening Primary Care Services. Implementation of a Personal Primary Health Care System in Malta. Ministry for Social Policy (Health, Elderly and Community Care) December 2009. The public may request more information or provide suggestions by phoning 188 or sending an email on primaryhealth@gov.mt. One can also visit website http://www.sahha.gov.mt.

3. Surveys on e-Government User Satisfaction and Take-up of e-Government; Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) http://www.mygov.mt/survey

Recent initiatives which are no longer active for public consultation:

1. A process of consultation initiated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives regarding the strengthening of the Electoral system and process. Submissions from the public and political parties may be sent to Mr. Speaker on email address selectcommittee@gov.mt or addressed to Mr. Speaker, Select Committee, House of Representatives, Valletta. Closing date for submissions is Friday, 18th December, 2009.

2. Consultation Paper on the application of groundwater heating/cooling schemes in Malta and Gozo - Malta Resource Authority (MRA); http://www.mra.org.mt

3. Pre-Budget 2010 Public Consultation Document – Growth, Jobs and Social Cohesion; Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investments (MFEI); http://www.budget2010.com.mt/media/Pre-Budget2010.pdf

4. MEPA Reform Document, MEPA Reform Presentation, MEPA Reform Feedback; Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) https://opm.gov.mt/mepa

5. Consultation Document on Alternative Transport Modes; Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications (MITC),https://mitc.gov.mt/MediaCenter/PDFs/1_Alternative%20Transport%20modes.pdf

6. Consultation Document on Amendments to various Communication Laws; Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications (MITC) https://mitc.gov.mt/MediaCenter/PDFs/1_MITC-Consultation%20Booklet.pdf

7. Public Transport Reform in Malta and Gozo; Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications (MITC) https://mitc.gov.mt/page.aspx?pageid=156

8. Regulations on the Avoidance of Damage to Third Party Property, Draft for Public Consultation, 5 May 2009; Ministry for Resource and Rural Affairs (MRRA) http://www.mrra.gov.mt/htdocs/docs/avoidance%20of%20damage%20to%20third%20party.pdf

9. Building Regulations Act, Draft for Public Consultation, 5 May 2009; Ministry for Resource and Rural Affairs (MRRA) http://www.mrra.gov.mt/htdocs/docs/act%20building%20regulations%20draft.pdf

10. The Need for Wind Farms and related documents; Ministry for Resource and Rural Affairs (MRRA) http://www.mrra.gov.mt/windfarms.asp

11. Energy Policy Document, A proposal for an energy proposal for Malta; Ministry for Resource and Rural Affairs (MRRA) http://www.mrra.gov.mt/htdocs/docs/Energy%20Policy%20for%20Malta.pdf

12. Pre-Budget Document 2009; Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investments (MFEI) http://finance.gov.mt/page.aspx?site=MFIN&page=prebudget09

13. National Reform Programme 2008 – 2010 - High Level Consultation Document; Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investments (MFEI) and the Management Efficiency Unit (MEU), Office of the Prime Minister http://finance.gov.mt/image.aspx?site=MFIN&ref=NRP%202008-2010

14. Questionnaire for Parents of Primary and Secondary Level (state and non state) school children in Malta and Gozo on the Supply of School Uniforms, Books and Stationery; Office of Fair Competition, Ministry of Finance, the Economy and Investments (MFEI) http://www.finance.gov.mt/page.aspx?site=MFIN&page=consultation001

15. Rent Laws, The need for Reform, Sustainibility, Justice and Protection; Ministry for Social Policy (MSOC) http://www.finance.gov.mt/