Government Notices published in Government Gazette No. 21,236 of 3rd May 2024

IT is notified for general information that the following Bill is published in the Supplement to this Gazette:

Bill No. 97 entitled the Property Market Agency Act, 2024.

Appointment of the Secretary of the Buildingand Construction Tribunal – Panel 2

IT is hereby notified for general information that, in accordance with article 38 of the Building and Construction Act (Cap. 623), the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector has appointed Dr Mireille Farrugia as Secretary of the Building and Construction Tribunal – Panel 2. This appointment is valid as from 23rd April, 2024, for a period of three (3) years.

IT is hereby notified for general information that the Minister for Health and Active Ageing has appointed the following officials to serve on the Foundation for Medical Services Board.  The term of appointment is for three years, starting from 1st March, 2024.

President

Mr James Grech

Deputy President

Mr Charles Cini

Member (Ex-ufficio)

Dr Robert Xuereb

Members

Dr Alexander Sciberras

Dr Joe Cassar

Mr Patrick Cachia

Dr Kumar Rajasekaran Santhosh

Ms Maria Micallef

Member (Ex-ufficio)

Inġ. Andrew Vella Zarb

Secretary (Ex-ufficio)

Ms Stephania Dimech

Declaration of a Derogation for the Control of Pigeons in the Interests of Public Health and Safety: Gżira Local Council

IN exercise of the powers conferred by the fourth proviso to Regulation 10(6) of the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (S.L. 549.42), the Minister responsible for the environment in conjunction with the Minister for Gozo and Planning, after giving due consideration to the outcome of the meeting of the Malta Ornis Committee held on 2nd April, 2024, are hereby authorising derogation from the provisions of Regulation 4 (1) (a) and (d) in line with the provisions of Regulation 9 (1) (a) to permit the culling of pigeons (Columba livia) within the boundary of Gżira Local Council. The validity period shall be twelve (12) months from date of publication of this Government Notice. Authorisation is being granted strictly under the conditions and controls stipulated in the licence issued for this purpose by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit. A report on the culling activity shall be submitted to the Wild Birds Regulation Unit within one (1) month from the expiry date of the licence.

Notice of Derogation

IN exercise of the powers conferred by the fourth proviso to Regulation 10(6) of the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (S.L. 549.42), the Minister responsible for the environment, in conjunction with the Minister for Gozo and Planning, after giving due consideration to the recommendations of the Ornis Committee, which met on the 2nd April, 2024, are hereby authorising derogation from the provisions of Regulation 4 (1) (a), (d) and (e) in line with the provisions of Regulation 9(1)(e) to permit the taking of blood samples from up to fifty (50) adult and fledged young specimens of Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata s.l.) and the taking of feather samples from up to hundred (100) specimens from the same species, including pulli. The retrieval of any chicks from the same species that may be found dead in nests shall also be permitted for genetic analysis. Authorisation is being granted for the purpose of scientific research and analysis strictly under the conditions and controls stipulated in the licence issued for this purpose by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit, which shall be valid from 1st June to 31st August, 2024. The information obtained through this study shall be submitted to the Wild Birds Regulation Unit in the form of a detailed written report by not later than 16th September, 2024. 

Notice of Derogation

IN exercise of the powers conferred by the fourth proviso to Regulation 10(6) of the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (S.L. 549.42), the Minister responsible for the environment, in conjunction with the Minister for Gozo and Planning, after giving due consideration to the recommendations of the Ornis Committee, which met on the 2nd April, 2024, are hereby authorising derogation from the provisions of Regulation 4 (1) (a), (d) and (e) in line with the provisions of Regulation 9 (1) (e) to permit the taking of blood samples, feather samples and cloacal swabs from up to forty (40) adult Passer hispaniolensis (Spanish Sparrow). The validity period of the licence shall be from the date of this Notice until 31st August, 2024. Authorisation is being granted for the purpose of scientific research and analysis strictly under the conditions and controls stipulated in the licences issued for this purpose by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit. The information obtained through this study shall be provided to the Wild Birds Regulation Unit in the form of a detailed written report within six (6) months from the expiry date of the licence.

Notice of Derogation

IN exercise of the powers conferred by the fourth proviso to Regulation 10(6) of the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations (S.L. 549.42), the Minister responsible for the environment, in conjunction with the Minister for Gozo and Planning, after giving due consideration to the recommendations of the Ornis Committee, which met on the 2nd April, 2024, is hereby authorising derogation from the provisions of Regulation 4 (1) (a), (d) and (e) in line with the provisions of Regulation 9 (1) (e) to permit the taking of feather samples from up to hundred sixty (160) specimens from Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan and up to hundred sixty (160) specimens from Scopoli's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea. The validity period of the licence shall be from the date of this Notice until 30th November, 2024. Authorisation is being granted for the purpose of scientific research and analysis strictly under the conditions and controls stipulated in the licences issued for this purpose by the Wild Birds Regulation Unit. The information obtained through this study shall be provided to the Wild Birds Regulation Unit in the form of a detailed written report within six (6) months from the expiry date of the licence.

Lower Barrakka Gardens

It is notified for general information that as enabled by Section 2 of the Public Gardens (Closing) Ordinance (Cap. 34) the Director of Agriculture has approved that Lower Barrakka Gardens will be closed to the public on Friday, 3rd May, 2024, from 7.00 a.m. onwards, and will be under the control of the Malta Tourism Authority.

SantʼAnton Gardens

It is notified for general information that as enabled by Section 2 of the Public Gardens (Closing) Ordinance (Cap. 34) the Director of Agriculture has approved that Sant' Anton Gardens will be closed all day to the public on Saturday and Sunday, 4th and 5th May, 2024, and will be under the control of Charlon Ellul.

Lower Barrakka Gardens

It is notified for general information that as enabled by Section 2 of the Public Gardens (Closing) Ordinance (Cap. 34) the Director of Agriculture has approved that Lower Barrakka Gardens will be closed to the public on Thursday, 9th May, 2024, from 1.00 p.m. onwards, and will be under the control of Congress Service Centre.

Lower Barrakka Gardens

It is notified for general information that as enabled by Section 2 of the Public Gardens (Closing) Ordinance (Cap. 34) the Director of Agriculture has approved that Lower Barrakka Gardens will be closed to the public on Saturday 11th May, 2024, from 7.00 p.m. onwards, and will be under the control of Dr Peter Agius.

Once-Only Grant

IN order to implement one of the measures identified in Budget 2024, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights have developed the following Scheme that aims to provide a once-only grant for persons who:

(a) were employed by corporations or entities in the public sector on their discharge from one of the labour corps established before 1979; or

(b) were employed by the Gas Board until its dissolution and afterwards were employed by Enemalta Corporation; or

(c) were apprentices with the Malta Electricity Board until its dissolution and afterwards were employed by Enemalta Corporation.

SCHEME

1. Interpretation

In this Scheme, unless the context otherwise requires:

“Malta" means the Maltese Islands;

“applicant/s" means citizen/s of Malta who:

(a) was/were employed by corporations or entities in the public sector on discharge from one of the labour corps established before 1979; or

(b) was/were employed by the Gas Board until its dissolution and afterwards was/were employed by Enemalta Corporation; or

(c) was/were apprentices with the Malta Electricity Board until its dissolution and afterwards was/were employed by Enemalta Corporation.

“effective period" for persons referred to in points (a), (b) and (c) above means, the period between 16th January 1979, or the date of the official appointment of an applicant with a corporation or entity in the public sector if such date is after the above-mentioned date, and the date when such applicant terminated his employment in the public sector.

2. Area of applicability

This Scheme applies to the period of time applicants served in the public sector during the effective period. The applicant shall only be entitled to a once-only grant in respect of the service rendered during the effective period.

The Scheme applies to citizens of Malta as defined in section (1) above.

The Scheme also applies to the heirs of such individuals if they satisfy the conditions of this Scheme.

The Scheme does not apply to individuals who are in receipt of, or have a right to receive, a pension under the Pensions Ordinance (Chapter 93), the Police Act (Chapter 164) or the Malta Armed Forces Act (Chapter 220) or any other service pension.

3. Manner of application and supporting documents

(i) New applications under this Scheme shall be made on the application form set out in the Schedule to this Scheme and shall contain all the information and details as required in the said form and in terms of this Scheme.

(ii) In the case of applications under this Scheme made by the heirs of a deceased applicant, where there is more than one heir, there shall be made one joint application by the heirs. Together with the application, there shall be produced a declaration made by a Notary Public, in which declaration there shall be declared who the heir or heirs of the deceased applicant is or are. In the eventuality that there is more than one heir, the heirs between them shall appoint and authorize one sole heir to receive payment., on behalf of all the heirs, on condition that the deceased was eligible to apply for the Scheme. The Department reserves the right to request the production of other documents besides the document herein mentioned. The Department also reserves the right to reject the application if it is not satisfied with the provided documents.

(iii) Only those applications that are found to conform with the provisions of this Scheme shall be eligible for payment of the grant.

(iv) Persons who applied and were eligible under the Scheme issued in the Government Gazette of 24th May 2019, 8th May 2020, 27th April 2021, 29th April 2022 and 28th April 2023 and are still eligible to receive payment under the same Scheme need not re-apply under this new Scheme. The Department of Social Security will process payments on the basis of submitted information.

(v) However, in the case of the demise of an eligible applicant or authorized heir who received payment under the first call for applications, a fresh application under this new call has to be submitted by the heirs in the manner explained in sub-clause 3 (ii) above.

(vi) Eligible persons who retired in 2023 and failed to apply under the scheme published on 28th April 2023, as well as eligible persons who are due to reach retirement age in 2024 can apply under the new Scheme.

(vii) Applications under this Scheme, including the documents that are to be attached to the application, shall be sent by mail to the Department of Social Security in Malta, at 38, Ordnance Street, Valletta, VLT 1021, or on contactdss@gov.mt by 31st July 2024. For any further information or clarification applicants can call on freephone 153.

4. Payment of Grant

The amount of the grant will be paid to the eligible applicant by direct credit in the bank account of the eligible beneficiary as known to the Department of Social Security, acting on instructions of same beneficiaries. No interests shall run on the amount of the grant due to the applicant.

It is a condition of this Scheme that by accepting the grant, the applicant shall be renouncing to any other future claim related to this Scheme and shall withdraw any case presently instituted against Government, Authority or public entity. Plaintiffs, or their authorised heirs, in each case or cases have to present a sworn declaration in the Registry of the Superior Courts to renounce and withdraw the case or cases. Proof of such renunciation and withdrawal must be presented together with the application, as explained on same application form.

The Scheme may be spread over a number of years with separate calls for application being issued from time to time. Each call for applications shall be subject to a separate verification process. The details shall be announced with each call which may be issued.

5. Validity of application

An application shall not be deemed to have been submitted unless it is full and complete in all material respects and unless it contains all the information and is accompanied by all the documentation requested therein.

6. Review of decisions

An applicant whose application for the payment of the grant under the Scheme is not acceded to shall be informed by the Department of Social Security of such refusal by means of a letter.

An applicant who feels aggrieved from the decision taken, has the right to request a revision of the said decision within twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of the decision. The request for a revision, together with a copy of the refusal letter, shall be sent within the established period by means of a registered letter addressed to the Secretary, Grant Review Board, 38, Triq l-Ordinanza, Valletta, VLT 1021.

The review of the decision shall be done by the Grant Review Board, which Board shall be set up following an order issued by the Minister responsible for Finance and published in the Government Gazette. The decision of the Grant Review Board shall be final and there shall be no appeal from the decision of the Board.

7. Amendments to the Scheme

The Minister responsible for Finance shall have the right to make any amendments to this Scheme. Any amendments thereto shall become effective upon their publication in the Government Gazette.

Once-Only Grant

IN order to implement one of the measures identified in Budget 2024, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights have developed the following Scheme that aims to provide a once-only grant for persons who were engaged by Telemalta Corporation between 1st January, 1978 and 15th January, 1979 (both days included)

SCHEME

1. Area of applicability

This Scheme applies to those persons who were engaged by Telemalta Corporation between 1st January 1978 and 15th January 1979 but have not qualified or may not qualify for a pension similar to that operated by Government for employees in the public service.

The Scheme also applies to the heirs of such individuals if they satisfy the conditions of this Scheme.

2. Manner of application and supporting documents

(i) Applications under this Scheme shall be made on the application form set out in the Schedule to this Scheme and shall contain all the information and details as required in the said form and in terms of this Scheme.

(ii) In the case of applications under this Scheme made by the heirs of a deceased applicant, where there is more than one heir, there shall be made one joint application by the heirs. Together with the application, there shall be produced a declaration made by a Notary Public, in which declaration there shall be declared who the heir or heirs of the deceased applicant is or are. In the eventuality that there is more than one heir, the heirs between them shall appoint and authorize one sole heir to receive the payment that may be made through this scheme,on behalf of all the heirs, on condition that the deceased was eligible to apply for the Scheme. The Department reserves the right to request the production of further documents besides the documents herein mentioned. The Department also reserves the right to reject the application if it is not satisfied with the provided documents.

(iii) Only those applications that are found to conform with the provisions of this Scheme shall be eligible for payment of the grant.

(iv) Applications under this Scheme, including documents that are to be attached to the application, shall be sent by mail to the Department of Social Security in Malta, at 38, Ordnance Street, Valletta, VLT 1021, or on contactdss@gov.mt by 31st July 2024. For any further information or clarification applicants can call on freephone 153.

3. Payment of Grant

The Scheme may be spread over a number of years with separate calls for application being issued from time to time. Each call for applications shall be subject to a separate verification process. The details shall be announced with each call which may be issued.

The amount of the grant will be paid to the eligible applicant by direct credit in the bank account of the eligible beneficiary as known to the Department of Social Security, acting on instructions of same beneficiaries. No interests shall run on the amount of the grant due to the applicant.

Any amount that may have been received by any of the applicants under any other scheme issued prior to this date, shall be deducted from payments that may become due under this scheme.

The grant under this scheme may only be awarded if the eligible applicant renounces to any other claim or pending action related to the same subject-matter of this scheme, that they have or may have against the Government.

4. Validity of application

An application shall not be deemed to have been submitted unless it is full and complete in all material respects and unless it contains all the information and is accompanied by all the documentation requested therein.

5. Review of decisions

An applicant whose application for the payment of the grant under the Scheme is not acceded to, shall be informed by the Department of Social Security of such refusal by means of a letter.

An applicant who feels aggrieved from the decision taken, has the right to request a revision of the said decision within twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of the decision by registered post. The request for a revision, together with a copy of the refusal letter, shall be sent within the established period by means of a registered letter addressed to the Secretary, Grant Review Board, 38, Triq l-Ordinanza, Valletta, VLT 1021.

The review of the decision shall be done by the Grant Review Board, which Board shall be set up following an order issued by the Minister responsible for Finance and published in the Government Gazette. The decision of the Grant Review Board shall be final and is not subject to an appeal.

6. Amendments to the Scheme

The Minister responsible for Finance shall have the right to make any amendments to this Scheme. Any amendments thereto shall become effective upon their publication in the Government Gazette.

A Once-Only Grant for persons who wereemployed by Malta Drydocks Corporation

and Malta Shipbuilding and in 2003 were transferred and assimilated by Industrial Projects and Services Ltd (IPSL), now known as Resource Support and Services Limited (RSSL)

IN order to implement one of the measures identified in Budget 2024, the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights have developed the following Scheme that provides a once-only grant for persons who were employed by Malta Drydocks Corporation and Malta Shipbuilding and in 2003 were transferred and eventually assimilated by Industrial Projects and Services Ltd (IPSL), now known as Resource Support and Services Ltd (RSSL).

SCHEME

1. Area of applicability

The Scheme is applicable to persons who were employed by Malta Drydocks Corporation and Malta Shipbuilding who were transferred and eventually assimilated by Industrial Projects and Services Ltd (IPSL), now known as Resource Support and Services Ltd (RSSL).

It is a condition of this Scheme that by accepting the grant, the applicant shall be renouncing to any pending or other future claim related to this Scheme.

The Scheme also applies to the heirs of such individuals if they satisfy the conditions of this Scheme.

2. Manner of application and supporting documents

(i) Applications under this Scheme shall be made on the application form set out in the Schedule to this Scheme and shall contain all the information and details as required in the said form and in terms of this Scheme.

(ii) In the case of applications made by the heirs of the same de cujus, where there is more than one heir, there shall be made one joint application by the heirs. Together with the application, there shall be produced a declaration made by a notary public, indicating who the heir or heirs of the de cujus is or are, and who is the sole heir authorized to receive payment on behalf of all heirs, on condition that the de cujus was eligible to apply for the Scheme. The Department reserves the right to request the production of other documents besides the document herein mentioned.

(iii) Only those applications that are found to conform with the provisions of this Scheme shall be eligible for payment of the grant.

(iv) Applications under this Scheme, including the documents that are to be attached to the application, shall be posted to the Department of Social Security, at 38, Ordnance Street, Valletta, VLT 1021, or by email on contactdss@gov.mt by not later than 31st July, 2024.

3. Payment of Grant

The Scheme may be spread over a number of years with separate calls for application being issued from time to time. Each call for applications shall be subject to a separate verification process. The details shall be announced with each call which may be issued.

The amount of the grant shall be paid to the eligible applicant either by direct credit into the bank account of the eligible beneficiary or authorized heir as known to the Department of Social Security, acting on instructions of same beneficiary. No interests shall run on the amount of the grant due to the applicant.

4. Validity of application

An application shall not be deemed to have been submitted unless it is full and complete in all material respects and unless it contains all the information and is accompanied by all the documentation requested therein.

5. Review of decisions

An applicant whose application for the payment of the grant under the Scheme is not acceded to shall be informed by the Department of Social Security of such refusal by means of a letter.

An applicant who feels aggrieved by the decision taken, has the right to request a revision of the said decision within twenty-one (21) days from the receipt of the decision. The request for a revision, together with a copy of the refusal letter, shall be sent within the established period by means of a registered letter addressed to the Secretary, Grant Review Board, 38, Triq l-Ordinanza, Valletta, VLT 1021.

The review of the decision shall be done by a Grant Review Board which shall be set up following an order issued by the Minister for Finance and published in the Government Gazette. The decision of the Grant Review Board shall be final and there shall be no appeal from the decision of the Board.

6. Amendments to the Scheme

The Minister for Finance shall have the right to make any amendments to this Scheme by the publication of the said amendments in the Government Gazette.

Scheme to Sustain Energy and Water Efficiency within Voluntary Organisations

With reference to the call under this scheme, as published by Government Notice No. 520 dated 19th April, 2023, it is being notified that the online application system is not accepting further application submissions since the funds for the scheme have been provisionally allocated, subject to review and acceptance of submitted applications.

THE Commissioner of Inland Revenue notifies that, on the date shown hereunder, the price of gold and silver on which valuations made by the Consul for Goldsmiths and Silversmiths are based has been fixed for the purposes of article 14 of the said Act as follows: