By setting up an independent board of inquiry to investigate how the benefits for the disabled system works, the government is admitting that people were receiving public money in spite of not being eligible, the Nationalist Party said in a statement.

This is another confirmation of the government’s shortcomings, and that political responsibility must be shouldered, the statement signed by David Agius said.

The PN welcomed the setting up of the board but asked why the government waited so long to do so, given that it said it knew about the scandal for two years. It’s clear that the government is acting now because the scandal has been exposed, and not because it genuinely believed in the process.

The PN said that the board should be accountable towards Parliament, and not just the minister. It should also propose changes to the law so that all those who are truly in need of such assistance get it.