House Business Committee unanimously recommends approval of Ombudsplan 2027

House Business Committee unanimously recommends approval of Ombudsplan 2027

Published October 15, 2026

The House Business Committee has unanimously agreed to recommend to the House of Representatives the approval of the Ombudsplan 2027 and the proposed budget for the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman.

 The House Business Committee is chaired by the Speaker of the House, the Hon. Carmelo Abela. Its members are, from the Government side, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, the Hon. Ian Borg; the Government Whip, the Hon. Naomi Cachia; and the Deputy Government Whip, the Hon. Fleur Abela. Representing the Opposition are the Opposition Whip, the Hon. Ivan Castillo, and the Deputy Opposition Whip, the Hon. Toni Bezzina.

During the members from both sides of the House commended the work being carried out by the institution, as reflected in the priorities, activities and results presented in the Ombudsplan.

The Parliamentary Ombudsman, Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon, highlighted the importance the Office continues to place on outreach and on regularly informing the public about its role and functions.

He referred to the Office’s participation in Freshers’ Week activities at the University of Malta, MCAST, the Institute of Tourism Studies and the Institute for Education, through which 641 students sought information about the Office this year. He also referred to the educational talks offered in public, Church and independent schools, as well as outreach within the public administration, including talks delivered to public service employees.

Judge Zammit McKeon said that sustained outreach is helping to ensure that the institution remains accessible and is increasingly sought by persons requiring assistance. Between 1 January and 30 September 2026, the Office received 454 complaints, an increase of 9% compared with the same period in 2025, while 757 persons were provided with assistance, representing an increase of 25% over the corresponding period last year.

The Ombudsman also reported that during the same period 142 complaints were resolved during the course of investigations, an increase of 95% over the previous year. He noted that this also reflects better understanding and cooperation by public authorities in addressing issues affecting members of the public before an investigation reaches the stage of a Final Opinion.

The average overall duration of investigations has also been reduced from six months to four months. The Ombudsman attributed this improvement to investment in human resources and technology aimed at making the work of the Office more efficient and responsive.

Turning to the nature of complaints received, Judge Zammit McKeon explained that around one third concern unfair treatment and lack of equity, while undue delay or failure to act accounts for approximately 20% of complaints.

Implementation of recommendations

The Ombudsman also addressed the implementation of recommendations in cases decided in favour of complainants. He noted that around 90% of such cases are now resolved or implemented, while those recommendations which remain unimplemented are pursued through the procedures provided by the Ombudsman Act, including referral to Parliament where necessary.

He reiterated his proposal that Final Opinions referred to Parliament should be considered by a parliamentary committee, providing an opportunity for further scrutiny and direction where recommendations remain unimplemented.

Judge Zammit McKeon described unimplemented recommendations as missed opportunities for the public administration to address shortcomings and improve the services it provides.

Human rights and institutional reform

In replying to questions from members of the Committee, the Ombudsman also raised a number of matters concerning access to justice and institutional safeguards.

He drew attention to the fact that, although Malta has ratified Protocol No. 12 to the European Convention on Human Rights, which provides for a general prohibition of discrimination, it has not yet been incorporated into Maltese domestic law.

The Ombudsman also reiterated his proposal for consideration to be given to suspending prescription in actions against the public service and public administration while an Ombudsman investigation is ongoing. Such a measure, he explained, would further facilitate access to justice by ensuring that a person does not risk losing the possibility of pursuing legal remedies while awaiting the outcome of an investigation.

Judge Zammit McKeon also referred to the Government’s decision that Malta’s National Human Rights Institution would be established separately from the Office of the Ombudsman, through a Human Rights and Equality Commission.

He emphasised that the legislation establishing the new institution should ensure its independence, autonomy and appropriate constitutional protection. He also stressed the importance of the institution should be placed in a position of obtaining A status accreditation from the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, for the conformity with the Paris Principles.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the House Business Committee unanimously agreed to recommend to Parliament the approval of the Ombudsplan 2027 and the budget of the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman.