Labour MP Marie Louise Coleiro Preca yesterday called for more professionalism in dealing with young people who have a disability and whose parents apply for social benefits.

Dr Coleiro Preca said the youths have to be examined by a medical board, following their parents’ request lodged at the Social Security Department. The Labour MP said the young people have to make various visits to St Luke’s Hospital and some are denied badly needed services.

Dr Coleiro Preca questioned the criteria that the board uses in handing down its decisions, adding that most of the youths’ disabilities have been certified at birth or during their childhood. She said the situation was worrying since the law did not give the right to appeal and the criteria used were not made known to the applicants.

The Labour MP alleged also that the government was economising on such cases and spent prodigally on other areas.

She stressed that the government should be serious and responsible and see that taxpayers’ money is spent on those who really needed solidarity.

This should be done without hindrance and without pecking away at their dignity.