S.L. 437.43 Art. 7Proof of good character.

(1) Whereas in accordance with article 43(3)(d) of the Act, the Council requires of persons applying proof of good character when they take up for the first time the activities of veterinary surgeons, it shall accept as sufficient evidence, in respect of citizens of Member States, a certificate issued by a competent judicial or administrative authority in the Member State of origin or in the Member State from which the applicant comes, attesting that the requirements of the Member State as to good character for taking up the activities in question have been met.

(2) Where the Member State of origin or the Member State from which the applicant comes does not require proof of good character of persons wishing to take up the activities in question for the first time, the Council may require of citizens of the Member State of origin or of the Member State from which the applicant comes, an extract from the judicial record or, failing this, an e q u i v a l e n t do cum e nt issued by a compe te nt judicial or administrative authority in the Member State of origin or the Member State from which the applicant comes.

(3) If the Council has detailed knowledge of a serious matter which has occurred abroad and which is likely to affect the taking up in Malta of the activities concerned, it may inform the Member State of origin or the Member State from which the applicant comes.

(4) The Member State of origin or the Member State from which the applicant comes shall verify the accuracy of the facts. The counterpart bodies in that State shall themselves decide on the nature and extent of the investigation to be made and shall inform the Council of any consequential action which they take with regard to the certificates or documents they have issued.

(5) The Council shall ensure the confidentiality of the information which is forwarded.