Muscat underscores commitment to build a ‘just society’

Labour Leader Joseph Muscat was given an excited welcome when he visited community care homes for the disabled managed by Fondazzjoni Dar Nazareth in Zejtun.

Muscat, who tomorrow turns 39, was also presented with a cake and a sing-a-long, as residents, employees and even a handful of neighbours, queued up for a handshake and a posed picture.

Speaking during the visit, Muscat underscored Labour's commitment to safeguarding and implementing the concept of "a just society" especially with regards to the rights and quality of life of disabled people.

Muscat said that a Labour government would grant greater resources to agencies and entities such as Agenzija Sapport, both financial and through greater cooperation with other institutions and government branches.

He said, a Labour government would make far greater use of trusts. "Such financial tools can assist persons with special needs to gain greater financial independence," he said, adding that a future government would remove tax on inheritance left to persons with disability.

Muscat also emphasised the role of disabled people in terms of employment, saying they did not only represent an untapped resource for economic growth, but the issue of personal dignity and independence also came into the equation.

He said that community care centres like those run by Fondazzjoni Dar Nazareth "were Labour's inspiration for a just society", and insisted that such community centres should be encouraged.

He added that Labour is committed to reassuring parents with disabled children that they do not need to fear the day when they pass away, because they will be well taken care of.

"We are committed to introducing the concept of independent living," Muscat said, pledging to assist disabled people by providing the necessary training and assistance.

Foundation chairman Angelo Zahra also took the opportunity to underline the need for greater financial assistance. He said that Fondazzjoni Dar Nazareth is running three community homes, housing 28 residents, and employing 16 people.

He said that despite this, it is receiving enough government funding to run only one. At the same time, other organisations that have fewer residents and employees receive three times as much.

Zahra said that despite representations with authorities regarding the Foundation's funding, the situation has not changed, and called on Muscat to ensure that state funding is distributed in a fair and equal manner based upon the number of residents each organisation cares for.

The PL is expected to unveil more proposals aimed at incentivising the employment of disabled people in the coming days.