278 individuals engaged on 'trust basis' across nine ministries

A total of 278 individuals are engaged on a trust basis across nine ministries, information tabled in parliament has revealed.

The largest number of persons engaged on a position of trust basis, or considered to be persons of trust, are within the Ministry for Justice, totalling 66.

The parliamentary questions were raised by shadow justice minister Jason Azzopardi.

Justice Minister Owen Bonnici said the figure include court attorneys, all of whom are chosen and appointed by the judges.

Bonnici’s ministry is closely followed by the Ministry for the Environment, which employs 65 individuals, followed by the Ministry for Home Affairs with 34. Both Environment Minister José Herrera and Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said the numbers include individuals who have been recruited in anticipation of work related to the Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.  

The least number of persons engaged on a position of trust basis are found in the Ministry for Social Dialogue, 2, although the number of persons of trust stands at 16.

The Ministry for the Economy said it had 0 persons employed on a position of trust basis, but 18 are employed as persons of trust.

Last year, principle permanent secretary Mario Cutajar said the civil service was in the process of finalizing clear regulations which better define what a position of trust means. Advisors and consultants are considered to hold a position of trust, which according to the Public Administration Act should thus be appointed on a definite contract.