Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has been caught in lye when saying that the waiver for Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca was given because he was the only ophthalmic surgeon who carried out certain procedures, the PN said in a statement.

This work was also to be carried out at weekends.

It is clear Dr Mercieca carried out cosmetic operations, among others and has continued with his private practice even during the week.

For five years Dr Muscat attacked the government over the honoraria increase but is giving a special waiver for the Parliamentary Secretary to be able to carry on with his private practice and earn some €800 an hour.

“Muscat has lied to the people and is now tight-lipped over what has been revealed. He should now give an explanation and carry responsibility,” the PN said, adding “the buck stops with him”.

Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca this morning denied suggestions by journalists that cosmetic laser eye-correction surgeries he still carried out are in breach of the waiver granted by the Prime Minister.

Dr Mercieca was replying to questions following The Sunday Times’ revelations that last Wednesday alone, Mr Mercieca performed three cataract operations and six cosmetic laser eye-correction operations at a private hospital in Sliema, between 7am and 1pm.

The Sunday Times said that Dr Mercieca was paid €400 per operation directly by his clients, a total of €3,600.