During its third meeting for this year MEUSAC’s Core Group members discussed the European Year 2010 for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion.  A presentation was given by Dr. Noel Calleja, Project Administrator of the European Year 2010 from the Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family, who outlined the activities being organised by the National Implementing Body, aimed at raising awareness on social exclusion and poverty.

Dr. Marisa Scerri, Director (Programme Implementation) within the same Ministry, explained that the campaign appeals both to people who actually live in poverty or are part of vulnerable groups in society, as well as to the general public who can assist people living in poverty.  Dr Scerri explained that the Ministry will be drawing up a policy document on concrete actions for the coming years.

This was followed by a presentation and discussion on the Commission Communication entitled ‘Proposal for the Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion 2010’.  Mr. George Sultana, Director, Policy Development and EU Affairs from the Ministry of Education, Employment and the Family said that the report focuses on social inclusion, pensions, health and the effects of the economic crisis on poverty. He then presented the solutions that the EU is proposing in terms of better inclusion and more efficiency in the health sector.   

Various points were raised by Core Group members on this topic including the need for a plan of action to combat illiteracy in Malta, and the need to introduce family-friendly measures and solutions so as to give the opportunity for more mothers to be part of the workforce.