Ombudsman recommends appointment of Consumer Affairs Commissioner

Speaking during the committee meeting, the Ombudsman said the amendments made to the law governing the Ombudsman were in the right direction, despite that a number of suggestions made by the Select Parliamentary Committee for the Strengthening of Democracy were not taken up.

He added that the amendments approved by Parliament would grant more scope to the institutions.

Joseph Said Pullicino added that while the appointment of a Commissioner to a particular sector is a positive step, he announced that alongside the appointment of an Education Commissioner and an Environment and Planning Commissioner, a Commissioner for Health would also be appointed.

The Ombudsman said that during a meeting he had with the Head Permanent Secretary, he recommended that a Commissioner for Consumer Affairs also be appointed.

He added that he was making this proposal in the light of the various complaints currently being levelled at the service industry, particularly water and electricity services, some of which require investigation.

The Ombudsman explained that the appointment of these Commissioners should provide a swift remedy to those involved who experience problems and lodge complains in the Commissioner’s respective sectors.