PN calls on government to implement guardianship law

The opposition today urged government to take “all necessary measures” to implement the guardianship law “without any further delays.”

Following a meeting with Oliver Scicluna, chairman of the National Commmission for People with a Disability (KNPD), opposition MP Stephen Spiteri said that this would place Malta in line with UN conventions and put the minds of parents of people with an intellectual disability at rest.

The law which was approved in 2013, allows parents of children with different abilities to apply for a guardianship order. Prior to such law only interdiction and incapacitation were available.

While expressing the PN’s appreciation at the work carried out by the commission, Spiteri said said that the opposition has proposed a constitutional amendment aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination against people with disability.

The MP said that that the opposition is concerned that the Government “has not yet done anything to assure parents of disabled people what will happen to their children when they will no longer be able to look after them.”

He believes that the best course of action is stated in the PN’s electoral manifesto, which proposed the creation of a legal contract that will ensure that government provides disabled people with the services they require to be able to live as independently as possible.

Spiteri added that the PN will be discussing the issue with relevant stakeholders in a forthcoming conference.

On his part, Scicluna agreed with Spiteri on several issues raised during their meeting, particularly those regarding the Guardianship Act.

Guardianship orders are open to anyone who suffers from a mental disorder or condition that renders him incapable of taking care of his own affairs. Guardians are appointed to help the person under the guardianship order to safeguard the personal and proprietary well-being of such person.