On Monday, 19th October, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Carmelo Abela, met with the Auditor General, Charles Deguara, who presented the Report on the Audit of Government-Appointed Bodies.
The report examines government-appointed bodies within the public sector, including boards, committees, commissions, councils, tribunals and other entities. The audit covered 462 government-appointed bodies, comprising a total of 3,901 members.
The audit focused on compliance with the Manual on the Categorisation, Classification and Remuneration Structure of Members of Government-Appointed Boards and Committees, which came into force on 1st January 2017.
The manual aims to regulate members’ remuneration in accordance with the structure of the respective bodies, while establishing procedures for the assessment and approval of related requests.
The report also includes recommendations addressed to the Cabinet Office and the respective Ministries, aimed at addressing the shortcomings identified and strengthening compliance with the established criteria.
In a separate meeting, the Speaker met with Dr Robert Musumeci, who presented him with a copy of his new book, ‘Understanding Malta’s Constitution’.
The book traces the evolution of Malta’s Constitution before and after Independence, highlighting the country’s national symbols and fundamental constitutional principles. It also explores the roles of Parliament, the Government and the Judiciary, alongside other key public offices and the legal frameworks that safeguard human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In another separate meeting held on Monday afternoon, the Speaker met with the Rector of the University of Malta, Professor Frank Bezzina, for their first formal meeting. During the meeting, the Rector presented the Speaker with a book.
The discussion focused on strengthening relations and cooperation between Parliament and the University of Malta, with a view to fostering closer ties between the academic community and the parliamentary institution.
