PN MPs Adrian Delia, Darren Carabott and Mark Anthony Sammut grilled Finance Minister Clyde Caruana over the financial details of Steward Healthcare, Electrogas as well as new domestic violence magistrates.

During parliamentary questions on Wednesday, Delia asked Caruana how much of the €80 million allocated for Steward Health Care are for worker wages, to which Caruana replied that the Finance Ministry passes on the full amounts of the concession, and does not have details on how much of this amount is distributed to which persons. Caruana also said that the question should be asked to the concerned Minister.

Delia also questioned the doubling of the budget towards Steward, where €48 million was being given in 2020, which has now risen to €85 million. Delia asked what checks have been carried out, as well as an explanation on what justified the increase of the amount within two years.

Caruana said that the correct information would be given once a written parliamentary question is made.

He said that talks with respective ministries are made to honour requests, in this case, the Ministry of Health submits its request and the Ministry for Finance sees how the resources are being spent.

With regards to the €40 million in taxes which were forgiven to Electrogas, Carabott asked Caruana if these are being collected, and if either Electrogas or Enemalta is paying them. Caruana replied that he could not answer and requested that the question be made in writing.

Asked by Sammut on how much it would cost for a new magistrate on domestic violence, Caruana said that there will be two more magistrates who will be supplied with the necessary resources.