27/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - On the occasion of the plenary session debate on the immigration policy (see other article), Maltese MEP Simon Busuttil has issued a press release in which he welcomed the intention of the EPP-ED group, of which he is a member, to present proposals aiming to increase the resources made available to Frontex and patrols of the maritime borders of the EU, within the framework of discussions on the EU budget by 2007. These patrols are due to "start functioning next January". "I am delighted to note the main political group of the Parliament is leading the way on immigration (...). Immigration is a priority concern for people in Malta, Italy, Spain and other countries of the EU", the press release notes. Mr Busuttil points out that he and his colleague David Casa (another Maltese member of the EPP-ED group) have long stressed the need for the countries of the EU to work together to face the problem of illegal immigration.