Be the first to comment!New investigation before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee – PN
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The Opposition has said that when Parliament reconvenes in the new year, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will launch a new investigation that is expected to shed more light on activities within the the Ministry for Gozo and Ministry for Tourism between 2020 and the present year.
It added that as part of this process, the Committee will also examine the findings from the Auditor General’s report concerning the Malta Film Commission.
In a statement on Friday, the Nationalist Party said that this comes in the wake of the scandal involving former Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, “both found guilty of misappropriating public funds by awarding consultancy contracts to one of their spouses.”
The PN explained that the investigation will be held following its request for the PAC to scrutinise the Auditor General’s November report titled Evaluating the Role of the Malta Film Commission in Promoting the Maltese Film Industry. Additionally, the Committee will be asked to examine the accounts of statutory authorities and parastatal entities under these Ministries for the five-year period from 2020 to 2024.
“Although the Public Accounts Committee cannot issue condemnations or judgements, it plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public fund management oversight,” the PN said.
The Nationalist Party stressed that it “supports strategic investment in the film industry to benefit both local productions and attract international projects. However, it demands full accountability from the Labour Government regarding how public funds are being spent.”
The Public Accounts Committee hearing, where witnesses will testify under oath in the House of Representatives, is expected to commence after Parliament resumes following the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The statement is signed by Darren Carabott Chairperson of the PAC and Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Reforms, Graham Bencini Shadow Minister for Finance and Claudette Buttigieg Shadow Minister for Public Administration, Public Broadcasting, and the Fight Against Diabetes.
File photo: DOI
