PM retains lean Cabinet

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday decided to stick to a lean Cabinet, promoting a parliamentary secretary to minister and re-distributing a number of portfolios, cutting the number of parliamentary secretaries by one.

The changes, brought about by Social Policy Minister John Dalli's resignation, also saw Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Minister Austin Gatt lose Enemalta and Water Services Corporation, which Now fall under the umbrella of Finance Minister Tonio Fenech.

The government announced last night that Health Parliamentary Secretary Joseph Cassar was promoted to Minister for Health, the Elderly and Community Care. So far health fell under the auspices of the Social Policy Ministry. The responsibilities have now been split, with health going to Dr Cassar and social policy - officially termed as family affairs - moving under the responsibility of Education Minister Dolores Cristina, who also gets employment in addition to her "old" duties of education, youth and sport.

A 43-year-old psychiatrist, Dr Cassar had been appointed parliamentary secretary in March 2008 and was one of the newcomers in Dr Gonzi's second, leaner Cabinet.

Dr Cassar is expected to take his oath of office this morning Tourism Parliamentary Secretary Mario de Marco was given the added responsibilities of environment and culture.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue, Information and Local Government, Chris Said, is now also responsible for consumers and fair competition.

Research and development have been moved from under the umbrella of Resources and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino to the Office of the Prime Minister.

In addition to revenues and land, Parliamentary Secretary Jason Azzopardi is now also responsible for small business.

This means that the Cabinet is again made up of nine ministers, since Dr Cassar replaces Mr Dalli. However, the number of parliamentary secretaries has gone down by one because Dr Cassar has not been replaced.

There was some activity going on behind Castille's doors late yesterday afternoon when select MPs were summoned to Dr Gonzi's office. Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono was seen leaving Castille just after 5 p.m. The reason of the meeting was not known.

Dr Gonzi left Castille for Parliament at 5.30 p.m., and when asked to comment about what was happening he preferred to say: "The announcement will be made at the opportune time". Indeed, the announcement was made about four hours later.

Dr Gonzi met Dr Cassar later at his office in Parliament and the new minister was seen leaving at about 6.30 p.m.