House Business Committee recommends approval of Ombudsplan 2026

The House Business Committee presided by the Speaker of the House; the Hon. Anglu Farrugia met in a dedicated session to discuss the Ombudsplan 2026.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, opened the meeting with an overview of the Office’s performance. He reported that this year, up to 31^st October 2025, the Office received 533 complaints and assisted 694 persons.

A total of 472 investigations were concluded, and in 160 (34%) cases the Ombudsman found that the complainant suffered an injustice. Of these, 142 (89%) were resolved through implementation of recommendations, informal action or during the investigation. The figures underline that the Office remains an effective and accessible avenue for justice.

The Ombudsman highlighted the need for consistent outreach. He stressed that the Office must continue engaging directly with people to understand their concerns and provide practical solutions. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining close dialogue with public bodies to identify weaknesses, failures and poor practices that require corrective action. He recalled that the Ombudsman’s function, as set out in the Ombudsman Act, allows him to assess not only legality but also fairness and reasonableness in administrative decisions.

He referred to non-implemented recommendations as missed opportunities for the public administration to improve its services. The Ombudsman reiterated that where necessary, he and the Commissioners will continue to drive change in policy and practice when this is justified in the public interest.

The Ombudsman also outlined several measures that remain unfulfilled, including the proposal for an ad hoc parliamentary committee to examine and give direction on Final Opinions that are not implemented and are submitted to Parliament. Up to 31 October of this year, the Office of the Ombudsman sent 17 Final Opinions with non-implemented recommendations to Parliament.

He reiterated the need to strengthen the right to good administration, including rights related to fair treatment, timely decisions, access to files and the duty of public bodies to give reasons for their decisions.

He drew attention to the fact that although Malta ratified Protocol No. 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights, it has not yet been incorporated into domestic law. He also encouraged consideration of the suspension of the prescription of action against the public service and public administration when an investigation is ongoing, to further facilitate access to justice.

Judge Zammit McKeon reiterated his call for the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution within the framework of the Ombudsman Office, noting the successful experience of many European countries. He referred to the recent UN General Assembly Resolution of 17 December 2024 recognising the important role of Ombudsman institutions in promoting human rights, good governance and the rule of law.

He concluded by noting that a credible democracy should reinforce the mandate and operational capacity of the Ombudsman through adequate funding, and that the Ombudsplan 2026 warrants the approval of the House.

During the discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg, thanked the Ombudsman, Commissioners and staff, noting the Office’s visibility and its value in helping the public understand their avenues for redress. The Opposition Whip, Hon. Robert Cutajar, expressed the Opposition’s appreciation for the work carried out by the institution.

At the end of the sitting, the House Business Committee recommended the approval of the budget for the Office of the Ombudsman by the Plenary Session.