Between 2004 and 2008, three air-conditioning and ventilation systems companies - Medairco Ltd, Mega Air Co. Ltd and S&R Handaq Ltd - were blacklisted by the government after having been found guilty in the case of VAT corruption.

Health Minister Joseph Cassar told Joe Mizzi (PL) that on occasions, the ministry had granted them direct orders.

Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat questioned whether, as a result of this, the ministry would no longer request the services of these companies. Dr Cassar confirmed that once companies were found guilty of this tax evasion case, they would automatically be blacklisted and they would not be awarded any other contracts. He also said that no company had been given a direct order or a tender last year.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech confirmed that the contracts department would blacklist all companies found guilty of VAT corruption.

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