It is not yet clear whether Cabinet members who lecture at the University are violating the code of ethics.
Times of Malta is informed that, as happened under the previous Administration, some ministers still deliver lectures.
The Office of the Prime Minister was asked whether this is permitted by the code of ethics for ministers and parliamentary secretaries, but no reply has been forthcoming so far.
Nor did the OPM say whether the ministers in question were granted a waiver, similar to the one given to Parliamentary Secretary Franco Mercieca, an eye surgeon, to continue dedicating time to his medical practice.
The code precludes Cabinet members from carrying on with their professional practice, even on a voluntary basis. At least three Cabinet members– Finance Minister Edward Scicluna, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo and Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli – are enlisted as University lecturers.
All three confirmed they were still delivering lectures when contacted by Times of Malta.
The Government was asked whether the code empowered the Prime Minister to grant a waiver, but no reply was forthcoming.
The code, published in 1994, does not make provision for exemptions allowing ministers and parliamentary secretaries to engage in ‘private’ practice, including lecturing.
Under past Nationalist administrations, lecturing at the University of Malta was the only exception permitted by the Prime Minister.
This was not deemed to be private practice but a contribution to students. Ministers who lectured were paid by the University for their services.
Upon taking office, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said he had ordered a review of the code of ethics but did not give details.
He said on Wednesday he did not think the code was being breached.
Apart from Mr Mercieca, it is known that Foreign Minister George Vella, a medical doctor, is also seeing patients at his home (at no charge)on the same day he sees constituents.
Dr Vella insisted he was not breaching the code as he was also abiding by medical ethics.