Dalli’s daughter working for him at hospital

Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia said he was aware John Dalli’s own daughter was working as his personal assistant in his new role as Mater Dei Hospital reform chief. Dr Farrugia said Mr Dalli had every right to choose whoever he liked for such a position. The former European Commissioner appointed his daughter, Louisa, shortly after it was announced that he would head a reform team within the admin­istration of the country’s main hospital, which has been plagued with chronic mismanagement since opening its doors in 2008. Asked about this yesterday, Dr Farrugia said: “Every adviser has a right to choose his PA. He trusts this person and, therefore, yes (it’s acceptable).” He said her contract had not been drawn up yet and neither had that of Mr Dalli, who, Dr Farrugia said was “working on a voluntary basis”. Asked whether the government would make public the remuneration packages, Dr Farrugia said: “As always”. The reform was a challenge which Mr Dalli set himself when he was appointed Social Policy Minister in 2008, with responsibilities that included health. In 2009, he pledged a “revolution” at the hospital to tackle the growing problem of waiting lists for operations. Mr...