PN to ask Ombudsman to investigate Helena Dalli’s Zejtun farmhouse case

Ombudsman complaint: Minister 'has something to hide'

The Nationalist Party will be asking the Ombudsman to investigate the case involving Equal Opportunities Minister Helena Dalli and the illegal works being carried out on a Zejtun farmhouse.

Addressing a press conference outside the MEPA premises in Floriana, environment spokesman Ryan Callus also said that Dalli’s husband, Patrick Dalli, appeared before a MEPA board hearing submissions for sanctioning of works being carried out on the property. "This further undermines the credibility of her assertions".

According to Callus, MEPA has now deferred the decision to a later date. He said it was “scandalous” that no member of the board questioned the illegalities that took place. “The PN cannot remain silent before these illegalities”, he said.

“The case was heard by a new board appointed by the government. Even though Dalli is the minister for equal opportunities, it is evident that she is not being treated like everyone else. This is unacceptable,” Callus said.

Callus said Dalli was now cornered after – in 2013 – she had declared a 99% shareholding interest in her spouse’s firm PADA Builders, who were contracted to carry out the works on the property. Dalli however said she never had any commercial interest in the firm, having declared it in her assets declaration “because it fell under the Community of Acquests”.

According to Callus, this assertion “confirms that she either had no idea what she is talking about or is cornered and attempting to mislead the people”.

Callus publicly challenged her to publish the full promise of sale agreement and not just an addendum, extending its validitiy.

Legal responsibility is shared by the two, said Callus,  "however I believe that Helena Dalli should set the example and carry the political responsiblilty for this, in addition to legal responsibility."