Public Contracts Review Board publishes Case Rulings for 2013

The Minister for Finance Prof. Edward Scicluna welcomed the publication of the Public Contracts Review Board (PCRB) Case Rulings for 2013. “I am pleased to note this Board’s good work which, throughout its first year of work since being appointed in April 2013, has seen it implement a number of changes and reforms in accordance with the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability,” Prof. Scicluna said. He was speaking during the presentation and publication of the PCRB Annual Report on Friday, 13 June, alongside PCRB chairman Dr Anthony Cassar. Prof. Scicluna went on to say that in its first year, the Board has been able to expedite the public contracts appeals process drastically through greater efficiency. He noted that in this way, the average appeals case duration was reduced from two-and-a-half months to an average of six weeks. He also welcomed the manner in which the Board increased the number of public hearings per week to be able to better handle the inflow of new appeals, while at the same time address the pending backlog in an effective manner. The Finance Minister also noted the Board’s decision to change the priority system of public hearings of appeals in a manner that prioritises appeals related to EU-funded projects, health, and education. He furthermore noted that exces- sive bureaucracy and delays in public procurement is an issue that has been remarked upon by the European Commission, noting that “it is not acceptable in today’s competitive environment that businesses find public service hurdles”. Prof. Scicluna also augured that other government-appointed boards similarly adopt good governance practices founded within the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency, in the interest of delivering a better quality service to the public. Also speaking during the presentation of the Annual Report PCRB chairman Dr Anthony Cassar said that throughout its first year, 137 appeals were processed in relation to contracts which amount to €73.5m in terms of net worth. He noted that a large volume of appeals were found to have been lodged on frivolous grounds, and added that local councils in particular are facing difficulties in adhering to public procurement rules and regulations. He said that to address this issue, the PCRB will be holding informative sessions with local council officials to raise awareness of the proper implementation of public procurement regulations in the interest of reducing the number of appeals based on unclear or incorrect procurement efforts.

‘The government is committed to continuing to strengthen the Consumer Affairs Council’ – Minister Helena Dalli

When addressing a seminar organised by the Consumer Affairs Council about the culture of customer care within the public authorities, the Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties, Dr Helena Dalli outlined the importance of ensuring that the customer care department is effective, efficient and well serviced. Minister Dalli mentioned that when consumers feel satisfied with the service received, the positive recommendation they themselves in turn give raise the profile of the entity. "This is in line with the commitment of this government to strengthen consumer rights," said Minister Dalli. In this respect Dr Dalli spoke about the important role that the Consumer Affairs Council has in acting as a forum between government authorities in order to foster communication and collaboration in the exercise of their functions. This ensures that the interests of consumers are protected. Minister Dalli said that government is committed to continuing to strengthen this council and announced the ongoing re-branding of the Council for Consumer Affairs with a new corporate identity. Dr Dalli stated that the Council is committed to be more accessible to the authorities and the general public while remaining committed to fostering social dialogue through further discussion even with authorities at European level.