The EU Constitution and special needs

I attended the national conference hosted by Nationalist MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa aimed at promoting a wider debate on the EU Constitution. Dr Busuttil and Mr Casa deserve congratulations for this initiative. I followed attentively the 27 interventions including the closing address by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

The theme of the conference was "Il-Kostituzzjoni taghna wkoll" (The Constitution belongs to us too), though I would have preferred it to be "Il-Kostituzzjoni taghna lkoll ukoll" (The Constitution belongs to all of us too) - Dr Busuttil referred to this thought in his intervention.

Even the Opposition declares itself in favour of the new EU Constitution - albeit with reservations. The MLP must be congratulated for this. When our parliamentary representatives vote unanimously for the EU Constitution, it should belong to all of us.

I still need to be convinced, however, that "us" means "all of us". During the conference interventions on different issues and sectors - workers, employers, youths, the business community - were made but the lack of direct reference to the rights of citizens with special needs as contemplated in the EU Constitution was evident. I expected an intervention from a representative of the National Council for Persons with Disability highlighting how the EU Constitution favourably affects citizens with special needs.

The Constitution reinforces the link between human rights, non-discrimination and disability thanks to the inclusion of the European Charter of Fundamental Rghts, the integration of non-discrimination as an objective of the Union and the horizontal non-discrimination clause.

It also allows the participation of civil society and representative organisations, including of people with special needs, meaning that all European citizens will have greater control over the European Union's action.

The rights of citizens with special needs as contemplated in the Constitution should be explained, highlighted and given more importance. More apparent solidarity - a value of the EU - is required particularly through access to information. Has information on this Constitution been delivered to such Maltese citizens in an accessible way and in alternative formats?

Many sectors were targeted in the awareness campaign and also referred to and represented during the conference; however, I regrettably note the inadequate reference to citizens with special needs.

The government should ensure that Maltese citizens with special needs and their representatives get full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy awareness, development and implementation in the EU.

Some EU member states have specific desk officers in Brussels monitoring proposed legislation, lobbying with different stakeholders and, importantly, guiding their respective MEPs regarding the interests of citizens with special needs.

Malta has desk officers in Brussels but, as far as I am aware, there is no specific desk officer - not necessarily with special needs - looking after the interests of all Maltese citizens with special needs. These citizens and their representatives would welcome such an appointment in Brussels - hopefully no one will say it is a burden on our coffers. Their needs are different and are recognised by the European Union. Our MEPs' task will be lightened and more factual.

I read Labour MEP Joseph Muscat's article The Rights of Disabled Passengers (June 20). I second him that the proposed regulation on the rights of persons with reduced mobility travelling by air "secures a better lifestyle .... what Social Europe should be all about". Let us together help all our citizens with special needs secure a better lifestyle.

Our Prime Minister has very much at heart the interests of citizens with special needs. I appeal to him to ensure by all means possible that these citizens are not neglected in some way or other and, unknowingly, left aside. When this is done, we can truly and proudly boast that the EU Constitution belongs to all of us too.