A Presidency for accessibility and inclusion

The Maltese government has worked incessantly in the disability and social inclusion sectors since long before Malta took over the reins of the Council of the EU, and through this experience Malta wants to breathe new life into the debate concerning the E

This was the clear message I gave when addressing delegates at the European Parliament’s Disability Intergroup on Thursday, at the Parliament building in Strasbourg. We were discussing ‘The European Accessibility Act – state of play’, with the full participation of rapporteurs from various committees of the European Parliament, together with a number of other members of the European Parliament, as well as representatives of the European Commission and civil society.

Labour’s record at EU level

Given Malta’s current Presidency and the Labour government’s positive record over the last three years in European fora concerning the field of disabilities, my speech took centre stage. Delegates and MEPs appreciated the work plan of the Maltese Presidency in this regard, following the vital work carried out over the last years at various stages of this debate at all EU levels. I could not help stressing the need that after having debated matters at length, it was finally time that the relevant Accessibility Directive could be shortly formalised and enacted.

As on other previous occasions in various venues over the past months, I reiterated my call for all to keep in mind that around six million people with disabilities in member states have been observing us debating and discussing matters for quite a while. They are now eager to see the finalisation of the Directive that would strengthen access to full rights that people with disabilities deserve, within the framework of increased quality of life and human dignity.

It is understood that while reservations may be expressed, or economic or social difficulties experienced by individual member states, it was already a positive and just position that all governments agree on the fundamental need for this Directive. Looking at things as they are, we all need to understand that it would not be beneficial if there was the perception that European institutions are losing time engaging in long discussions of a bureaucratic nature, rather than pushing to decide on those matters which so many people have been expecting to materialise from the EU.

Our social Europe

We must make sure the Directive includes all technical, economic, social and legal factors necessary. This should however include our duty to speed up European legislation that is just and uniformly applicable across all member countries of the Union.

As a government, we believe in empowerment. This was explained during a meeting the Maltese Cabinet had last week with the College of Commissioners of the EU, during which we also agreed on the need of having a much stronger Union in the social sphere, that would protect all persons resident within it. In line with what Prime Minister Joseph Muscat stated after that meeting, we should take up the European Accessibility Act that must mirror the same commitment of giving solid replies to what millions of citizens – of whatever ability – are expecting from their respective governments and from the whole union which they expect to consider as their home.

It was in fact very clear that the principal interventions by different leaders during the opening of the Maltese Presidency emphasised that the European Union must both be, and be felt to be, relevant for all of its citizens. Considering that social inclusion has been set in one of our main aims for the coming six months, further motivation and impetus to conclude work on the Directive should serve as proof of how far we aim to increase such relevance.

I am fully aware that there are statutory stages which lead to that final stage and, together with all colleagues; I understand that difficulties may be experienced by individual states. It is imperative however that we resolve to overcome them through showing further goodwill, and within reasonable timeframes, in light of the resulting effects this would have on the common good, such effects being able to be enjoyed by millions of persons over the coming years and by future generations.

Ongoing projects for the elderly

Despite government commitments with the EU Council Presidency, work for our own people will move ahead at our usual speed – and at an even faster pace – during the coming months. The preparatory spadework carried out for the important engagement at the head of the EU Council is already showing its high standards, attaining also full trust and admiration by top EU leaders. With hand on heart, we can likewise proceed ahead with the fullest dedication and stamina within the local scene.

In my remit as Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, works-in-progress is our commitment. After the completion the other week of the newly refurbished ward at the Imtarfa home, where a new ward for dementia patients is in the offing, last Monday marked the final stages of restoration work at the Floriana home. With an initial investment of around £100,000, the neo-gothic facade has been given a long-needed professional restoration treatment with further upgrading of fixtures and furnishings. Further works will soon be in hand to convert a spacious back terrace into a fully furnished roof garden for residents.

The long list of works-inprogress includes refurbishing and upgrading works in various other old people’s residences. Such investments in infrastructural development progress alongside other nonstop initiatives within the Active Ageing and community care with a revamped list of services where we are very strict about quality standards. It is indeed most satisfying to witness all the many projects in hand for the elderly, with the dedicated support of our own able tradesmen and staff at all levels, guided by motivated managements and expert advice.

Some other engagements

Keen interest and appreciation is being shown by thousands of older persons for directs benefits they are now enjoying through the 2017 budget. This was also clearly shown during the past weeks by so many who packed various halls for the informative talks purposely organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat. The latest of such meetings in Sannat and Paola where no exception, proving further the need of such sessions where expert officials can explain and guide those attending about eligibility and methods of applying for the various benefits to which they are now entitled.

The Naħseb Fik (Thinking of You) campaign for the elderly over the festive season ended last week. This second edition was another success with over 300 gifts donated to as many older persons living in various homes around Malta and Gozo. The initiative reached its purpose and will be extended further, thus reaching out to more elderly in other residential homes later on this year.

Gozo’s closely-knit social texture is always at its best during religious and parochial events that involve the widest participation possible in the various villages. The installation of a new archpriest is always an eloquent expression of this community spirit. The first weeks of January witnessed two such opportunities with Mgr Joseph Sultana to the high post of archpriest at Gozo’s Cathedral Church and Mgr Trevor Sultana leading the Collegiate Chapter at Għarb. These events followed the installation last December of Mgr Joseph Curmi as the archpriest of St George’s Basilica. It is always naturally satisfying for me to attend these special events and share my fellow Gozitans emotions in welcoming their new pastors. While wishing the new appointees many fruitful years of service, I would like to thank their predecessors for their years of dedicated service in all three parishes. Over and above the rich artistic heritage in Gozo’s churches, these events manifest a wealth of genuine community spirit that must be well nurtured and nourished.