Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today defended the 64 jobs handed out on a ‘position of trust basis,’ which include a dog handler and a maintenance officer.

Questioned today on whether cleaners should be engaged on a position of trust basis, Dr Muscat said that if he has a person in his office, he wants someone that he can trust.

The Times of Malta reported that although persons in sensitive posts are usually recruited on a position of trust basis, this concept has been extended to certain low-level jobs.

Economy Minister Chris Cardona has made the highest number of political appointments, having recruited 17 people on a position of trust basis.

Family Minister Michael Farrugia made 15 political appointments, including an administration officer and a customer care officer.

Dr Muscat said a number of political appointments were made in the weeks leading up to the 2013 general election, some of which were illegal.