Leo Brincat requests ‘independent’ report on air pollution

Environment minister Leo Brincat confirmed that in the latter part of last year he sought the non-binding views of the former adviser on defence matters, Martin Scicluna on air quality issues. On the minister’s request, Scicluna had also drawn up an action plan to curb air pollution.

The minister described Scicluna, who heads the Today Public Policy Institute and served as a government advisor for long years, as “a person of integrity with an independent mind of his own.”

“Scicluna’s expertise in the areas of the environment, defence and migration were always of a high professional standard regardless of whether one agreed with his views or not,” Brincat said.

The minister explained that “rather than merely relying on technocrats who were part of a system that has not gone that far in solving one of our major areas of concern” he sought the views of an “outsider” since he was interested in a set of practical recommendations that could be eventually incorporated into an air quality action plan.

Brincat added that he intends to try and take Scicluna’s suggestions on board following the creation of the Environment and Resources Authority, which is expected in the next few weeks.

The minister pointed out that rather than a full-blown report, Scicluna’s proposals were a “very practical and doable memorandum” which reflects government’s objectives on air quality outlined in Labour’s electoral programme and EU standards.

Moreover, Brincat said the proposals were “low cost or no cost and depend essentially on political will and not funding.” The minister added that he also intends to draw on such independent minded people's views on other issues since he does “not like being surrounded by yes men.”