House Business Committee approves the Ombudsplan 2025

House Business Committee approves the Ombudsplan 2025

Published May 07, 2025

The House Business Committee presided over by the Speaker of the House, the Hon. Dr Anglu Farrugia, convened in a special session to discuss the Ombudsplan 2025. The Ombudsplan is a report requesting parliamentary approval for its financial allocation for the upcoming year.

In his opening remarks, the Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, presented the key themes outlined in the Ombudsplan 2025. He emphasised the Ombudsman’s function as an oversight body that plays a vital role in improving public administration. While investigations and reports remain central to the institution’s mandate, the Ombudsman noted that much of its impact comes through sustained engagement and a constructive relationship with public authorities—an approach he described as yielding positive results.

The Ombudsman highlighted a number of key initiatives and developments planned for 2025. Foremost among these is the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the institution, to be marked with two major events. The first is a Thematic Lecture to be held in Parliament on 12 June 2025, titled “Transparency, Fairness, and Accountability – Cornerstones of Good Administration: The Mandate of the Ombudsman.” The keynote address will be delivered by Ms Kholeka Gcaleka, the Public Protector of South Africa.

The second event is a two-day International Conference on 15–16 October 2025 entitled “Upholding Good Governance in Challenging Times: The Role of the Ombudsman.” This gathering will bring together leading Ombudsman institutions from the Association of Mediterranean Ombudsmen, IOI Europe, and the IOI World Board, among other distinguished guests. European Ombudsman Teresa Anjinho will be one of the main speakers.

The 30th anniversary will also be marked by a research-based publication analysing case notes from across the years since the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman in 1995. The research and authorship of the book are being undertaken by Professor Edward Warrington.

During his presentation, the Ombudsman reiterated the need for the establishment of a dedicated Select Committee of the House on the Public Administration. This proposed committee would review final reports tabled by the Ombudsman and provide oversight on the quality and standards of public service delivery. Drawing on best practices in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Ombudsman noted that such a committee would enhance parliamentary scrutiny and promote better governance.

Another point raised was the importance of recognising the right to good administration within Malta’s domestic legal framework. While this right is enshrined in Article 41 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, it has yet to be transposed into Maltese law. The Ombudsman reaffirmed the Office’s position that such a move would enhance democratic safeguards and individual rights.

Judge Zammit McKeon also reiterated the Office’s proactive proposal to establish a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) for Malta, compliant with the UN Paris Principles. The Office submitted a draft bill to the Government that proposes expanding the Ombudsman’s mandate to include the promotion and protection of human rights.

In addition, the Ombudsman underlined that Protocol No. 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which Malta has ratified, has not yet been incorporated into Maltese law. He also drew attention to the Ombudsplan 2025’s recommendation to suspend the current six-month limitation period for judicial review of administrative decisions while a complaint is under investigation by the Ombudsman.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House, the Hon. Ian Borg and the Opposition Whip, the Hon. Robert Cutajar thanked the Ombudsman and his Office for their work. 

The session concluded with the House Business Committee unanimously recommending that the financial allocation for the Office of the Ombudsman be approved by the Plenary Session.