Education Minister Evarist Bartolo this evening gave a detailed overview of correspondence he had with the former CEO of the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools, who has resigned after claiming that the minister remained idle amid claims of corruptions by one of his persons of trust. 

The case revolves around his former canvasser, Edward Caruana, who was allegedly involved in abuses in direct contracts given by the FTS

Mr Bartolo read out emails and SMS texts sent between himself and Mr Rizzo in which he (the minister) repeatedly claimed that no one involved in any wrongdoing would be afforded any protection or immunity - even if that person had worked for the minister's political campaigns. 

Quoting previous rulings, Speaker Anglu Farrugia requested that Mr Bartolo present the emails, SMS texts, and minutes he quoted from to Parliament tomorrow at the request on PN Whip David Agius.

The Education Minister said that every time allegations were made, he asked for all relevant information to be gathered and ordered investigations. 

The investigation into the claims on Mr Caruana was led by Paul Bonello. Once the investigation concluded that steps needed to be taken, Mr Bartolo called in the police. The Minister said he had been the one who called for Mr Caruana's removal from the FTS.

"I told Rizzo that he had enough information to go to the police," Mr Bartolo said, pointing out that it was clear from the correspondence that he was the first one who had reported the case to the police. 

Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil raised concerns that the Opposition had not been informed before hand that a ministerial statement was going to be made in Parliament, insisting that given the severity of the scandal the opposition should have known prior to the sitting.

Dr Busuttil accused Bartolo of being aware of the allegations even as early as February. He said, that the fact that "he knew about the allegations since April, merits that the minister should shoulder responsibility, especially since Mr Caruana had been in a position of trust".

When leveled with criticisms that he had severely misjudged of trust in his employ, Mr Bartolo said that the opposition should keep in mind that he was also responsible for Appointing Mr.Rizzo.  

Dr Busutill also claimed that the Minister was culpable in preventing Mr Rizzo from acting on his suspicions.

It was curious as to the why the Minister would not think it to be odd that Mr Caruana would personally deliver the cheques for services, Dr Busutill said.

Deputy Leader Beppe Fenech Adami said that allegations that Caruana had requested for €30,000 to issue checks shows institutionalised corruption in the Government and Minister Bartolo's ministry.  

Opposition MP Chris Said also put forward questions to the Minister regarding reports that a tender calling for suppliers of school equipment was specifically designed to cater for one company. However, Minister Bartolo did not give a reply.

Responding to claims that Giovann Vella alleged that FTS official Edward Caruana had asked him for €30,000 bribe in order to release outstanding payments in relation to extension works on the Sixth Form in Victoria, Mr Bartolo said that he had told Mr Vella to file his report to the police as it was not his duty to act a 'prosecutor, judge and executioner' without sufficient evidence.