President will retain consultative role - Michael Farrugia

Michael Farrugia, whose transfer to the Ministry for Family and Social Solidarity from his role as Parliamentary Secretary for Planning will be finalised this week, said that the role of new President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca within the ministry will be on a consultative basis. 

Farrugia was speaking at a meeting at the Malta Environment and Planning Authroity with KNPD (National Commission for Persons with Disability) outgoing chairperson Joe Camilleri, in the presence of MEPA chairman Vince Cassar and new KNPD chairperson Oliver Scicluna.

Farrugia said that the President will not have an administrative or executive role, but provide a 'bird's eye view' on issues the government might miss.

Farrugia said that he will be giving successor Michael Falzon, who will be appointed parliamentary secretary for planning, a comprehensive handover.

During the meeting, a presentation was given by government consultant on planning Robert Musumeci on a protocol regulating development applications for access to the disabled.

Among the policies to be implemented will be that buildings having a floor space of less than 75 square metres must be exempt from 'access for all' requirements. Stores and kitchens will be excluded for the purpose of area computation, and areas that pose a potential risk to persons with disabilities by the nature of the activity carried out therein will be excluded from such assessment.