The Nationalist Party parliamentary group is still discussing what its position should be regarding the second round of the IIP scheme, PN Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs David Agius said on INDEPTH.

Interviewed by The Malta Independent editor-in-chief Rachel Attard, Agius said, "we are still discussing what our position should be on this matter." Questioned what is keeping them from taking a stand, Agius said, "the party should continue to discuss this in more detail and get feedback from the respective stakeholders."

Earlier this month, Identity Malta issued a statement saying that the government had a mandate to extend the Individual Investor Programme (IIP) scheme. It said it was seeking to consult the public with the aim of improving and strengthening the programme.

The agency is asking the public whether the number of applicants in a second round of the controversial passport sale scheme should be capped like the first one, or whether this should be left at the discretion of the government.

The agency will also be asking the public to look at the obligatory criteria for prospective new citizens, legal dispositions and whether any new services should be offered to individuals who invest in Malta.

Asked if the PN was taking so long to come up with a position on the IIP extension because of differing views within the parliamentary group itself, Agius said, "what I can tell you is that up till last Monday this was one of the main items on the agenda. Once we have the final stand we will publish it."