Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1528842
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 NOVEMBER 2024 Pajjiż ta' Kwalità N A Ħ D M U L E J N b u d g e t .g ov. m t F R E E P H O N E 1 5 3 Throughout 2024, the Ministry for Justice and the Construction Sector Reform continued its commitment to improving resources allocated to the justice system, investing in reforms aimed at enhancing quality, efficiency, and effectiveness. Family Court Reform A detailed analysis was conducted, resulting in several recommendations presented for consultation to initiate the first phase of the reform. This includes a series of initiatives addressing legislative changes, timeline revisions, and the establishment of new services to minimize hardship for those involved in Family Court-related situations. Digitalization • Launch of the tender implementation for process mapping within justice entities. • Publication of the information management system for the Court Services Agency with an investment exceeding €10 million. • The Legal Aid Agency's case management system was launched and became operational. • Similar systems will be implemented in the Attorney General's Office and the State Advocate's Office. Strengthening Employment Conditions and Skills Various collective agreements were concluded, with more in progress to finalize new agreements soon. Unprecedented Investment in Human Resources Allocation • Legal professionals in the Attorney General's Office. • Court Services Agency staff. • Lawyers providing services as Court Attorneys and Judicial Assistants in Court. • Employees in the Building and Construction Agency (BCA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA), especially in enforcement roles. Investment in the Judiciary • The judicial complement was increased to 57 members, the largest in the country's history. • The judiciary will continue to be strengthened with a call for additional judges and magistrates. • 4 new magistrates were assigned to the Magistrates' Inquiry Section, and 2 judges to the Commercial Court, which now includes maritime cases. • The budget for professional development of the judiciary was also increased by 40%. Court Services Agency • A new courtroom for jury trials. • Construction will commence on a more modern building with courtrooms for criminal cases and new offices. • A building has been identified and allocated for the new Commercial Court. Ongoing Projects In 2024, projects aimed at enhancing quality within the Attorney General's Office and the State Advocate's Office continued in line with an action plan from the Council of Europe. A project with the OECD is underway to improve access to justice through a people-centered approach, including access for individuals with disabilities. Towards a Culture of Respect and Responsibility in the Construction and Property Sector Efforts are underway to implement recommendations from the Jean Paul Sofia inquiry. Significant legislative changes include those related to builders and contractors. Both the BCA and OHSA strengthened their authorities by investing in system digitalization and conducting joint inspections on construction sites. New Helpline 138 • A new 24/7 helpline (138) was launched to provide a centralized system for all complaints related to construction, health, and safety. • A free professional service by lawyers and experts to assist third parties affected by construction activities. Strengthening OHSA Legislation and Operations • The new Health and Safety Act was unanimously approved by Parliament. • An official register of experts in the Health and Safety sector will be established. • A new OHSA center in Gozo. BCA Initiatives • Allocation of €3 million to the BCA for schemes like "Irrinova Darek" to help families renovate their homes with sustainable energy solutions. • Resources to the Building and Construction Tribunal to strengthen the appeals process. • An awareness campaign on the Energy Efficiency Certificate. Improvements in Efficiency and Quality of the Justice System 30% 35% 40% 10% 20% 25% 0% 5% 10% 500% 600% 300% 400% 0% 100% 200% Asset Recovery Bureau: 17% Office of the State Advocate: 22% Court Services Agency: 9% Legal Aid Agency: 38% Permanent Commission Against Corruption: 28% Malta Medation Centre: 5% OHSA: 35% Building & Construction Agency: 19% Building & Construction Initiatives: 500% Office of the Attorney General: 10% ġustizzja