Cap. 431 Art. 4Compositionofthe Council.

(1) The Council shall have a distinct legal personality, shall be appointed by the Prime Minister and shall be composed of the following members:

(a) a chairperson who shall be appointed after consultation with the organisations referred to in paragraph (c);

(b) a deputy chairperson who shall be the appointed by the Prime Minister from amongst members of the public service;

(c) twelve persons, nominated as follows:

(i) ten persons nominated by representative national employers’ and workers’ organisations constituted bodies; and

(ii) the Chairperson of the Gozo Regional Committee, ex officio; and

(iii) the Chairperson of the Civil Society Committee, ex officio. The organisations and constituted bodies referred to in sub-paragraph (i) shall be listed in a Notice published in the Gazette, which Notice shall also indicate the number of members representing each organisation and constituted body;

(d) two representatives of the Government, one representing the Minister responsible for Finance, the other representing the Minister; and

(e) the Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, ex officio.

(2) (a) For each of the members nominated in accordance with subarticle (1)(c) and (e), there shall be an equal number of substitute members representing those same sectors, organizations or committees and who shall have the right to attend meetings in the absence of the nominated members.

(b) For each of the members nominated in accordance with subarticle (1)(d), there shall be an equal number of substitute members, sohowever that the said substitute members may represent other Ministries.

(3) The term of office of the members shall be of one year.

(4) Without prejudice particularly to sub-article (2), to the provisions of this Act, and to any regulations made thereunder, the Council may direct that every time it convenes to carry out any of its functions in accordance with article 5, substitute members appointed by virtue of sub-article (2)(a) and (b) may attend together with members appointed in accordance with sub-article (1)(c), (d) and (e).

(5) The Council may act notwithstanding any vacancy amongst its members, provided there is a quorum present at the meeting.

(6) The Minister may, after consultation with the Council, make regulations regarding the procedures to be adopted by the Council, including the quorum for meetings, the filling of casual vacancies, loss of mandate and substitution of members.

(7) The Chief Executive Officer shall attend for all Council meetings in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer and shall also act as secretary of the Council, and shall have the duty to ensure that a record of all minutes and decisions taken during such meetings is kept, which minutes shall be drafted by the Chief Executive Officer or a person delegated by him: Provided that the Chief Executive Officer shall not have the right to vote during such meetings.