Ljubljana, 05 May (STA) - Human Rights Ombudsman Matjaz Hanzek and Minister of Labour, Family and Social Affairs Janez Drobnic discussed the speedy drafting of legislation at Thursday's meeting in Ljubljana.

Holding their long-awaited meeting, the pair reviewed the drafting of laws, with Hanzek saying he was "unpleasantly surprised with the speed with which laws are being drafted" by the government.

Hanzek stressed that certain laws should undergo a broad public debate before being sent to parliament. However, Drobnic disputed this, saying the ministry works with stakeholders in drafting laws. We cannot afford extensive debates time-wise, Drobnic said, adding that laws go through the Economic and Social Council.

Moreover, Hanzek called on the Labour Ministry to set up a register for pension and disability insurance contributions. According to him, some employers are skipping payments and endangering the social security of their workers. Hanzek said Drobnic had promised to tackle the issue.

The pair had different assessments about cooperation between the Ombudsman and the ministry. Whereas Drobnic claimed the cooperation was good, Hanzek said there was a lack of cooperation in setting up their first meeting.

Asked how cooperation could be good given that the ministry failed to answer the ombudsman's requests for a meeting for over three months, Drobnic said that the institutions worked closely nonetheless.

Drobnic also claimed his ministry had taken into account all complaints and suggestions coming from the ombudsman's office.