Malta’s Parliament Establishes New Committees on Education and IT & AI
On Wednesday afternoon, Malta’s Parliament took a decisive step by approving the creation of two new standing committees: one focused on Education, and the other on Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With these additions, the total number of standing committees operating within Parliament rises to 18.
Both committees were formed following unanimous approval of two motions—Motion 386 and Motion 387. Members of Parliament recognized the need to address these critical sectors more systematically and will soon appoint up to seven members for each committee, with a quorum set at four.
Why a Committee on IT and AI?
The rapid advancements in AI and digital technologies have touched nearly every aspect of society. Parliament acknowledged that these developments require ongoing scrutiny to understand their social and legislative impact. The new Standing Committee on IT and AI will focus on:
- Discussing the effects of emerging digital technologies on society.
- Reviewing reports from Maltese, European, and international bodies related to IT and AI.
- Inviting experts from the sector to provide insights and updates on their work.
This committee will help ensure policies and laws keep pace with technological progress, a crucial factor for all sectors including education.
The Role of the Education Committee
The Standing Committee on Education was created based on the principle that Parliament must maintain an active role in overseeing the education sector. Topics under its watch will include:
- Quality and standards of education.
- Literacy, vocational training, and skills development.
- Lifelong learning initiatives.
Education prepares young people for future challenges, making this committee essential for continuous improvement and adaptation of educational policies.
Opposition Calls for More Committees
Opposition Whip Robert Cutajar welcomed the new committees but urged the government to also establish a Standing Committee on Justice before Parliament’s summer recess. He highlighted ongoing requests for this committee over the past three years and expressed concerns about existing committees, such as the Health Committee, which have not met for over a year.
Cutajar also advocated for a committee to review and propose changes to Parliament’s Standing Orders—covering aspects like speaking time during plenaries, question protocols, and session timings. He emphasized the importance of discussing private members’ bills, many of which have been submitted by Opposition MPs but remain unaddressed.
Government Response
Government Whip Naomi Cachia responded by clarifying that the absence of committee meetings does not imply inactivity. She emphasized ongoing efforts behind the scenes and acknowledged the value of private members' bills, though no specific timeline for their discussion was provided.
Implications for Education Professionals
For those working in education, the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary committee signals a stronger legislative focus on the sector’s challenges and opportunities. This committee will be a platform for detailed discussions on educational standards, skills training, and lifelong learning strategies.
Given the growing influence of AI and digital technologies in education, collaboration between the two committees could also shape the integration of tech-driven tools and methods in classrooms and training programs.
Educators and policymakers interested in AI applications in education can explore relevant courses and resources at Complete AI Training to stay informed about the latest developments.
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