Meeting of the Council of Ministers from March 26th, 2015

Presidency of the Council of Ministers

Sixth Constitutional Government

.............................................................................................................................

Dili, March 26th, 2015

Press Release

Meeting of the Council of Ministers from March 26th, 2015

The Council of Ministers met this Thursday, March 26th, 2015, in the Council of Ministers’ Meeting Room, at the Government Palace, in Díli, and approved:

1. Government Resolution approving financial aid to the victims of the cyclone Pam, in Vanuatu

The Council of Ministers approved the donation of one million American Dollars in order to support the victims of the cyclone Pam, which, on last March 14th, devastated the Vanuatu archipelago of 275 thousand inhabitants.

The cyclone, category 5, with winds exceeding 300 Km per hour, was considered as the worst cyclone ever affecting the Pacific Islands. At least eleven people died and thousands have been displaced, not having yet been possible to assess the real extension of the damage. Some islands remain isolated due to communication cut off. Most part of the territory still doesn’t have access to electric power, potable water and food, which jeopardizes public health.

It is worth noting that the Republic of Vanuatu carries strong friendship bounds towards Timor-Leste, having been a courageous and tough defender of the Timorese people on their struggle towards independence.

2. Government Resolution approving the allocation of land to the Holy See

This diploma conveys, to the Holy See, the right to build on the adjoining land to that one where Motael Church, in Díli, is included.

The land has been request by the Diocese of Díli to the Ministry of Justice for the construction, by the Catholic Church of Timor-Leste, of a suitable building to the possible visit of the Pope to the country.

3. Decree Law approving the Legal Framework for fixed-term employment contracts at the Public Administration

The establishment of this Legal Framework is based on the need to ensure that each Fixed-Term Employment Contract, signed by the Public Administration, pays due respect to the cost-benefit principle, which shall guide an efficient public management, and ensures productivity and service quality.

This diploma sets standard rules and procedures for the recruitment, remuneration and contract management and for the performance of every worker hired by Public Administration, aiming to strengthen and harden it and, at the same time, to ensure a disciplined management of the human and financial resources allocated to it.

4. Decree Law approving allowances for abroad work displacement

This diploma was approved by the Fifth Constitutional Government at the Council of Ministers’ Meeting, from last December 19th. Once it was not promulgated by the President of the Republic, it becomes necessary to approve it again, this time by Sixth Constitutional Government.

It is important to remember that the Decree law changes the allocated amounts, by way of daily allowances, to civil servants, holders and members of sovereign bodies, for abroad travelling at State service, for the expenses bared on accommodation, food, transportation, telephones, laundry and others related to the stay.

This amendment aims to adjust the assigned amounts to those played by international organizations, namely the United Nations.

It is important to note the restriction of the right to a travel ticket on executive class, for the length of travel greater than or equal to three hours.

5. Decree Law approving the attributions for professionals of public finance management

This diploma was approved by the Fifth Constitutional Government, at the Council of Ministers’ meeting from last December 19th. Since it was not promulgated by the President of the Republic, it becomes necessary to be approved by the Sixth Constitutional Government.

It is important to remember that the decree law determines which are the skills for public financial management professionals, depending on their work experience, and detached by their due degree of performance requirement. This clear definition of generic and technical skills will allow an appropriate depth of content to submit to examination or the subsequent choice of the set training activities. It is important to remember that last April, the Council of Ministers established the completion of an examination on Public Finance by all public servants, officers and directors with expertise on the public finance management area, to assess their weaknesses and suggest future training activities.

This decree law still includes behaviour rules aimed at these professionals, in order to guide the performance of the assigned competences.

6. Law Proposal on general registration of population and housing

A Law Proposal on this issue was approved by the Fifth Constitutional Government, at the Council of Ministers’ Meeting from March 25th, 2014, and sent to the National Parliament for discussion and voting. Once it was not assessed by National Parliament, and once a new Government has been sworn-in, in accordance with the Constitution, a new proposal has to be approved by the Sixth Government.

It is important to remember that this diploma normatively frames the regular holding of censuses, by determining the entities responsible for implementing the procedures for funding and mechanisms that ensure the protection of confidentiality on the information collected.

7. Government Resolution approving the nomination of the PNTL Head Command

The Council of Ministers has approved the proposal from the Minister of Internal Affairs, responsible for security, and after an opinion from the Higher Police Advisory Council, to the Command of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL).

Therefore, it was nominated the Chief-Superintendent Júlio da Costa Hornay, to the role of General Commander for PNTL, with the position of Commissioner, on a four-year service commission.

It has been equally nominated Chief Superintendent Faustino da Costa, to act as 2nd General Commander for PNTL, with the position of Commissioner, on a four-year service commission.

8. Second Amendment to Decree Law n. 8/2011, from March 16th, regulating the Fund for Infrastructure

This amendment updates the structure of the Administration Council for the Fund for Infrastructure to the organic structure of the present government.

9. First Amendment to Decree Law n. 12/2011, from March 23rd, regulating the Human Capital Development Fund

This amendment updates the structure of the Administration Council from the Fund for Infrastructure to the organic structure of the current Government.

   Top