Comments on: Next time one of them stops you for a traffic offence, ask him for his tips on folding napkins

By: etil

etil — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 10:07:02 +0000

In reply to ciccio. Good point. Did the PN MPs ask for the PC numbers? If not, they should have insisted. [Daphne - Yes, they did, Etil. That's where the 'data protection' reply came in: in answer to a question in parliament.]

By: M. Cassar

M. Cassar — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 08:31:19 +0000

It seems like the accusation of an orchestrated effort to discredit the Minister is indeed unfounded – he is more than capable of discrediting himself by hiding behind all and sundry while in full public view.

By: Volley

Volley — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 07:22:02 +0000

That’s why now it’s called ‘Rapid Intervention Unit’-to cater for anything ‘Rapid’ & in times of ’emergency’.

By: Paddling Duck

Paddling Duck — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 05:15:13 +0000

If I’m not mistaken data protection can be waived for PQs as long as the answer is not released into the public domain .

By: Liberal

Liberal — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 04:42:44 +0000

In reply to Josette.

Excellent observation, La Redoute. In fact, if anyone makes a Freedom of Information request, they would have to provide the information.

http://www.foi.gov.mt

By: bookworm

bookworm — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 04:41:55 +0000

Yesterday, as I was driving through St Calcedonius Square in Floriana, I noticed that there was some form of reception at Police HQ. apart from the fact that dress sense was not invited, I saw a couple of invitees with black trousers and a white shirt. I wonder who catered for the event.

By: Liberal

Liberal — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 04:39:46 +0000

In reply to ciccio. The Minister could have quite easily given out the names. The Data Protection Act does not prohibit the naming of public officers.

By: Liberal

Liberal — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 04:37:43 +0000

“Mr Bonnici asked for a list of the policemen who performed such duties, but the minister said such a list could not be provided because of data protection reasons”.

Bullshit. Data Protection does not come into it.

By: Plagarised

Plagarised — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 23:31:28 +0000

Dr Mallia should be careful when citing the data protection act, and the PN should be more direct in their questions and be aware of these blockades.

. This Act shall not apply –

(b) to processing operations concerning public security,
defence, State security (including the economic well
being of the State when the processing operation
relates to security matters) and activities of the State in
areas of criminal law:

If there is a lack of public security since the officers were asked to leave their posts to attend waiting on the EBU, then perhaps the list of officers should be released.

Futher to that, why not ask for a freedom of information request as to which officers were paid extra (sic:http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130630/local/Police-respond-to-unjust-criticism-.475928) on that particular day, and working it out from there?

And perhaps I am reading within the lines too much but, Dr Mallia said they all HAD, a licence, gosh have the all expired since then, a proper rebut would be, ” on that day all had” or perhaps “all still have a licence”, using the past tense might be misleading.

By: Harry Purdie

Harry Purdie — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 23:31:01 +0000

In reply to aidan. Excellent. Have just issued the order to my donut shops.