Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli today stormed off after being asked questions about works carried out on a property owned by PADA builders, which is in turn owned by her husband Patrick Dalli.

"I never had a commercial interest in it [the company that owns the property].  As I explained in Parliament yesterday, I list it in my declaration of assets because of the community of acquests."

"I know of no works that are being carried out on a property that is not mine. PADA builders have a promise of sale on this property."

"I have no responsibility or rights in the company PADA."

The Malta Independent pointed out to Dr Dalli that by definition, community of acquests means that assets are split 50-50 between the spouses.

Dr Dalli said the 50-50 split is only triggered if she separates from her husband or if her husband dies before her.

"At this point in time the community of acquests is not triggered. Like I told you, everything is in Parliament, everything is documented," she said, before storming off. 

Works on the property were being carried out in breach of a Mepa enforcement notice.

A PADA Ltd. earth mover had been seen on the property when the works were being carried out. Dr Dalli said in Parliament yesterday that the vehicle has not worked for years and had been abandoned on the property.

The earth mover in question pictured on the Dalli's property

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has publicly defended Dr Dalli’s version of events, saying he believes that the illegal works were carried out by the buyer.

The Nationalist Party has in turn today accused Dr Dalli of seeking more rights than other over illegal works being carried out at the Żejtun farmhouse.

The Party has called for Dr Dalli to shoulder political responsibility for the illegal works. 

Yesterday, Dr Dalli turned the PN's argument on its head, saying that Opposition leader Simon Busuttil should shoulder political responsibility for the false accusations levelled against her. 

Report tabled in Parliament by Dr Dalli shows earth mover no longer in use

The report was commissioned by Dr Dalli’s husband Patrick and carried out by an engineer.

“The vehicle has no identification number-plates or other identification tags or markings.

Specification of Manufacturer: - Unknown.

“No vehicle documents presented by the owner.”

“This is a small wheel shovel, with an un-operational diesel engine. The unit was inspected and found that all moving joints and parts are in unworkable and unsafe condition. Engine oil and transmission oil are all at their minimum levels with oils showing clear evidence of no replacement. Oils are visibly contaminated.

“4 hydraulic rams and most hydraulic pipes of the arms and bucket are completely corroded. The vehicle is embedded in soil and has not been moves [sic] for such a long time that grass can be seen growing out of every gap in the vehicle.

“The vehicle body is completely corroded, there is a missing beacon light, a missing diesel tank cap, torn driver’s seat, no mirrors in place and no lights visible.

“This report declares that the vehicle is un-serviceable[sic] and beyond economical repair and should be scrapped for its iron content.

“Photographs of the current state of the vehicle, taken on the date of the report are available,” the report concludes.

Promise of sale agreement tabled in Parliament

The promise of sale agreement tabled by Dr Dalli shows that the promise of sale agreement is between her husband Patrick Dalli on behalf of PADA builders and a private buyer.