One year after the publication of the public inquiry into the fatal incident that claimed the life of young Jean Paul Sofia, a press conference was held by the Cabinet Subcommittee, coordinated by Mark Mallia, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee members include Ministers Silvio Schembri, Clint Camilleri, Byron Camilleri, and Jonathan Attard.

The press conference, held before a parliamentary discussion, provided an update on the implementation of the recommendations from the public inquiry.

As promised by Prime Minister Robert Abela, the inquiry report was made public immediately after it was received, and full commitment was shown to implement the recommendations.

Of the 39 recommendations in the report, 96% have been completed, with others still in progress.

Several reforms have raised standards in the construction sector, including five immediate initiatives announced by the Prime Minister a year ago.

These include the introduction of helpline 138 for reporting alleged construction abuses and providing free legal services to those affected.

Stronger enforcement, a new OHSA law, building protection amendments, and reforms in land allocation have also been implemented.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee continues to drive further reforms, focusing on education and training within the sector. The Labour Migration Policy ensures a fairer job market and better protection for workers, including those in construction.

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The newly inaugurated Smart Gaze project aims to assist vulnerable individuals, including those with ALS and spinal paralysis, by enabling them to use technology through eye-tracking.

The initiative was announced at a press conference at Dar Bjorn, Ħaż-Żebbuġ, by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti.

Led by Professor Ing. Kenneth Camilleri, Smart Gaze is one of several research projects funded by the Secretariat for Youth, Research, and Innovation.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced signal processing, the project enhances eye-tracking technology, making it more efficient, reliable, and comfortable for users by reducing the burden of wearing heavy masks.

Azzopardi Tanti emphasised that research must serve the community, improving existing innovations to benefit those in need.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to easing the burdens of vulnerable individuals, praising Bjorn Formosa for his advocacy and dedication to ALS patients.

Professor Camilleri explained that the technology allows users to control devices simply by looking at them, enabling them to turn on lights, operate TVs, or open doors without physical contact.

ALS Malta Executive Secretary Maria Formosa welcomed the project, stressing its potential to improve the lives of ALS patients through technology-driven solutions.

Photo Credit: DOI Neil Camilleri

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