John Attard-Montalto (PSE). – ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is a popular idiom. This issue is one of both prevention and cure.

There is no doubt that the European Union is finally understanding that the problems faced by Malta and other Mediterranean countries affected by the immigration phenomenon will ultimately become a problem of Europe as a whole. And this is the Europe that Malta wanted to join. There is nothing more noble than solidarity. Some, however, are criticising the Union for providing too little too late. Maybe they are right; but better late than never. Definitely two boats to patrol the extension between Gibraltar and Alexandra are inadequate, but on the other hand the request by Libya to help control its 2000 km hinterland borders is extremely good news, especially for Malta. This is part of the policy of prevention.

The process to cure the phenomenon is much more complicated. Unless the endemic African problems of poverty, civil wars, disease, hunger, unemployment, corruption and international debts are addressed and enhanced by a system of good rule and justice, the problem of irregular immigration will remain irresolvable.

I cannot but criticise some European countries for squabbling over financial help to their partners – Malta, Italy, Spain and Greece – which are doing their best to alleviate the plight of irregular immigrants.