In the Press: Data protection legal notice raises student privacy concerns | Medicine shortages at Mater Dei

The Times of Malta

A law allowing the minister of education to access student details is being contested by the Opposition. The outgoing Data Protection Commissioner green lighted the legal notice, which allows access to student data, on 4 March but the Opposition's pledge to file a parliamentary motion to repeal it brought it into the lime light yesterday. The University students' council raised privacy concerns while the ministry defended the notice, saying that access to data was solely for research purposes and would contribute to the structuing of education and employment policies. 

In-Nazzjon

The data protection controversy also occupies the In-Nazzjon front page today. The newspaper also reports on shortages at Mater Dei, including medicines and drips being out of stock as well as the bone density machine having been out of order for the past month. Patients with appointments have been told to await a phone call to inform them of their new appointment details but so far, none have come. Aspirin and renal medication Ursofalk have been out of stock for five weeks. Today also marks the fifth anniversary of the earthquake in the Italian town of L'Aquila, which claimed over 300 lives and has left the town in a state of reconstruction since.

L-Orizzont

This newspaper reports that between 2008 and 2012, ERCS declared €234,113 in directors' remuneration and bonuses, and distributed profits by means of dividends as well. Last week, the newspaper alleged that Simon Busuttil, who was director of the company at this time, had not declared any income from his time at the helm of ERCS. On the front page is also a report on the PM's justification for this nomination of Karmenu Vella as EU Commisioner. Muscat said that he felt that Vella was the best choice because there are few people as capable as he is at balancing the interests of small and large businesses pro-actively.

The Malta Independent

The Independent reports that the PM, along with a number of other people who attended a political event in Zurrieq yesterday, was hospitalized after experiencing acute pain in his eyes. Another 32 people required medical assistance following similar medical complaints. A magisterial inquiry has been opened.