What the new MPs had to say…

Some of the Labour MPs elected for the first time to the legislature have found little or no time to ask Parliamentary Questions (PQs). According to data provided by the parliamentary website, no PQs have come from Labour backbenchers Deborah Schembri and Deo Debattista, both of whom were considered star candidates on the Labour ticket last March. Chris Fearne asked only one PQ, while Albert Fenech was the only new nationalist MP not to have any.

On the other hand, Claudette Buttigieg and Claudio Grech were the MPs with the most PQs in this period, with 168 and 163, respectively. Silvio Schembri was the only new Labour MP among the top five.

There were 23 MPs elected for the first time this legislature, eight of whom were given ministerial posts.

While Nationalist MPs use PQs to scrutinise the government, government backbenchers may use them as a way to lash out at the previous administration.

Unsurprisingly, in their PQs, MPs tended to focus primarily on their constituencies as well as their areas of responsibility (in the case of the Shadow Cabinet).

Claudette Buttigieg (PN) - 168

Buttigieg made the most PQs amongst all the new MPs. The former singer enquired about the St Vincent De Paule Residence, ministries' expense on IT, out of stock medicines, appointment of new ambassadors and the purchasing and hiring of cars used by the ministries.

Claudio Grech (PN) - 163

The former right-hand man of Austin Gatt wasted no time in asking about the social problems found in the first district. Many of his PQs revolved around social accommodation and drug problems, but also on the fight against crimes such as money laundering. Grech also probed about permanent secretaries and the organisational structure of various government entities.

Kristy Debono (PN) - 138

Debono asked all the ministries about how much they had spent on renovating their premises as well as the customer care service they offered. Her other PQs focused on transfers at Mater Dei hospital and St Vincent de Paul Residence, on members appointed to government boards and projects planned in San Gwann.

Anthony Bezzina (PN) - 113

Architect Anthony Bezzina inquired about Urban Improvement Funds and the construction of new roads. He also asked questions about MEPA, public transport, the new power station and other projects scheduled in Birzebbugia.

Silvio Schembri (PL) - 96

Economist Silvio Schembri seems to be the most active government backbencher, at least when it comes to PQs. He asked all the ministries about the employment conditions of security officials, the projects inaugurated by the previous administration in the weeks prior to the election and the clerical services offered by several contractors. Schembri posed PQs steadily on numerous individual cases.

Marthese Portelli (PN) - 91

The majority of Portelli's PQs focused on the 9th District and concerned the number of contraventions issued by wardens in the area, as well as the new Arriva routes there. The president of the PN's executive council also questioned the consultancies provided to ministries and perks and salaries of the ministers' private secretariats.

Ryan Callus (PN) - 86

Ryan Callus was another MP who focused mainly on his district's needs, asking about restoration projects in Siggiewi and maintenance on arterial roads in Qormi, Siggiewi and Luqa. Callus also enquired about instruction in Braille and the resignation of ex-police commissioner John Rizzo.

Robert Cutajar (PN) - 58

Mellieħa and sports were the two major themes that featured in Cutajar's PQs. The former Mellieħa mayor asked about the Kunsill Malti għall-iSport, the national swimming pool and local plans scheduled for Mellieħa and its surroundings.

Etienne Grech (PL) - 28

Grech was another new face for the government's backbench, and being a family doctor, he asked PQs mainly revolving around the health sector. He inquired about waiting lists for elder residential homes, the carers they employed and the health sector's expenses. Grech's questions also revolved around social benefits and people engaged in the public sector.

Simon Busuttil (PN) - 16

Noteworthy is the fact that Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil, himself being a new face in parliament, moved 16 PQs. These included questions about the Cabinet's declaration of assets, promotions within the Housing Authority, Malta's attendance at the European Council and the prime minister's official visits.

Paula Mifsud Bonnici (PN) - 14

Nationalist Party President Paula Mifsud Bonnici asked about the 'home help service' and presented several PQs about competition and consumer affairs.

Chris Fearne (PL) - 1

Chris Fearne had just one PQ to his name. The paediatric surgeon asked about the requirements to fill a particular position in Malta's Tourism Authority.

Deborah Schembri (PL) - 0

Deo Debattista (PL) - 0

Albert Fenech (PN) - 0