Director of Social Security appointed Vice President of the Bureau of the European Social Charter

Mr. Edward Gatt, Director of Social Security, who is Malta's representative on the Governmental Committee of the European Social Charter was appointed Vice-President of the Bureau. The elections took place during the Committee meeting held in Stasbourg, between the 21^st and the 25^th September 1999.

This appointment is expected to enhance Malta's position in the formulation of the agenda for future activities of the committee.

Malta ratified the European Social Charter in 1989. Following ratification, Government has to submit annually a report on the progress achieved in ensuring adherence to the standards annunciated in the various articles of the Charter. This report permits the Committee of Independent Experts appointed by the Council of Europe to monitor progress in the field of Social Policy in each member country, whilst it also brings to the attention of Governments, any infringements by member countries.