Addressing a press conference in Dwejra today, the Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds and 2017 Presidency, Dr Ian Borg, said “that the Opposition had not been truthful on the run up to the General Election on the use of European Funds and is not being sincere with the people on the future use of these funds.”

Dr Borg recalled how the Labour Government, in the past fourteen months, has committed more European funds to the island:

· The Ministry of Health has continued to invest in new equipment for the Gozo General Hospital.

· The renewal of the Employment Aid Programme scheme, which this year has helped to create 200 new jobs in Gozo.

· More funds were committed to Government buildings to install photovoltaic panels.

· The project was started for the second phase of the Junior College with an investment of around one million Euro.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that “as for Gozo’s involvement in the 2014-2020 financial programme, this administration will ensure that 10 % of the 2014-2020 Structural and Investment Funds will be allocated to Gozo, with each priority addressed in a horizontal manner .

This means that Gozo will benefit in the future from the following:”

“· Favourable schemes for employers·

. Help for those who wish to invest in the agro- tourism sector.

· By improving road infrastructure and the port.

· From more capital investment in human resources, education and health.”

The Minister for Gozo, Dr.Anton Refalo, emphasised the need to specifically address the current situation of the island, “where we need to guarantee the growth for sustainable development in Gozo, without undermining the environmental characteristics of the island.”

The Minister stressed that the socioeconomic situation be addressed in Gozo, where there is a need for more investment in human resources As well as make good use of European funds to ultimately improve the standard of living in Gozo.

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