[WATCH] PN MP cites ‘personal family reasons’ for teleworking contract

Nationalist MP Robert Cutajar cites 'family reasons' for €22,000 employment within the Animal Welfare directorate

Opposition MP Robert Cutajar. Photo: Ray Attard
Opposition MP Robert Cutajar. Photo: Ray Attard
PN MP cites 'family reasons' for teleworking public job

Nationalist MP Robert Cutajar earns up to €22,000 as a full-time employee of the Animal Welfare directorate, working four days a week from home “for personal family reasons”.

MaltaToday on Sunday revealed how at least nine serving MPs are currently employed by the State, with Cutajar employed on a teleworking basis.

The former Mellieha mayor said he was “a project leader” within the directorate but did not elaborate further when pressed by MaltaToday. He only insisted that the reason for his contract employment was “for family reasons”, and went on to add that he had managed to acquire EU funds in a period of little more than a year.

“It’s unfair that you are attacking me,” Cutajar said, referring to the information pertaining to the state servants released in a parliamentary question.

He was speaking following a press conference by the PN on poverty. Cutajar came prepared with leaflets of EU-funded projects which he had taken care of. The project amounted to €22,000 and is aimed at providing intensive training for students and workers. He added that during the last summer, he was visiting various schools in an information campaign.

Cutajar insisted that his employment is above board and has the Government’s approval.

Cutajar was previously employed within the secretariat of former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. After working in Gonzi’s secretariat, Cutajar was appointed as Officer in Grade 9 by the Public Service Commission in 2010.

As a member of parliament, Cutajar earns slightly over €20,000. He is excused from work to perform parliamentary duties according to the Public Service Management Code.