Malta Parliament Explores Childminding Service for MPs
MPs to Get Childminding Service During Sittings
Imagine this: The House of Representatives, buzzing with debates, votes, and the occasional heckle. Now, picture a small child, perhaps the toddler of an MP, playing peekaboo in the public gallery. This could soon become a common sight in the Maltese Parliament, as the House is exploring the introduction of a childminding service during sittings.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Malta’s Parliament is considering a proposal to provide childcare services for MPs who have young children. This move aims to support work-life balance for elected officials, many of whom are parents with young families. The idea was mooted by Opposition MP Jason Azzopardi, who argued that such a service would enable MPs to fully participate in parliamentary proceedings without having to leave their children at home.
“It’s about time we had a childminding service in Parliament,” Azzopardi told Hot Malta. “We’re elected officials, but we’re also parents. This service would help us balance our responsibilities and ensure we’re fully present for our children and our duties.”
Practicalities and Possibilities
So, what might this look like? One possibility is a dedicated childminding room within the Parliament building, staffed by trained professionals. Another option is a mobile crèche that could be set up in a suitable space within the building. The service could cater to children of all ages, from babies to toddlers, and would operate during the hours of parliamentary sittings.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability and the Elderly, Julia Farrugia Portelli, welcomed the proposal. “We’re looking into the feasibility of this service,” she said. “It’s important that our MPs have the support they need to balance their parliamentary duties with their family responsibilities.”
If implemented, Malta would join other European countries like Sweden, Finland, and the UK, which already offer childcare services in their parliaments. It’s a small step towards making our Parliament a more family-friendly space, and a big step towards supporting working parents in Malta.
