The House of Representatives reconvenes this evening after the summer recess, although activity continued throughout the summer in the Public Accounts Committee.

The first item on the agenda is the first reading of a Bill on Civil Unions, a law which will regulate same-sex partnerships. The first reading is a formality which gives the all-clear for the publication of the Bill.

The next items on the agenda are the debate on the  Central Bank (amendment) Bill and the Health Bill (amendment) Bill.

At the opening of this evening's sitting, Antoine Borg will be sworn in as an MP, succeeding Lawrence Gonzi who stopped down before Parliament rose for the summer.

This is likely to be the last time that Parliament reconvenes in the Palace after the summer, with the new Parliament House expected to be ready for use in a year's time.