Chris Said says Forum should join MCESD

Speaking in parliament yesterday evening, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said said that government agreed that 11-union confederation Forum, should join the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) but it will not impose this decision upon the MCESD. "We disagree with the Opposition because we will not impose a decision upon a body which exists for consultation," he said.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Public Consultation said: "We will never overrule and impose anything on MCESD. Forum and other organisations can and should participate in MCESD structures including the sub-committees such as the Gozo regional committee, the civil society committee and other committees."

In regards to the possibility of Forum actually joining the MCESD, Said added that discussions are at advanced stage and good progress has been achieved.

Forum says it has not been granted a seat on the MCESD because other unions and organisations oppose its addition to the consultative body.

"Labour ignores the good work done by MCESD, the cradle of consultation, but uselessly chooses to fan the Forum issue. A solution is within reach and I am confident an agreement will soon be reached," Said said.

Said also said that the MCESD is functioning well on all levels and praised the civil society committee and the Gozo regional committee within MCESD. "Unlike the Opposition's proposal we not only involved the Gozo Business Chamber but the Gozo Tourist Association, NGO's, Unions and civil society were invited and participated in 21 meetings held this year," he said.

Said also confirmed that current chairperson of MCESD, Sonny Portelli, will retain his position.  .  

Said also spoke about the Opposition's proposal to include the Malta-EU Steering Committee (MEUSAC) within the parliamentary structure. "MEUSAC should remain outside parliament as we already have the Standing Committee on foreign and European affairs and MEUSAC is doing a brilliant job as things stand."