Former EU Commissioner John Dalli is doing a good job at Mater Dei Hospital taking stock of the situation, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning.

Dr Muscat was asked by timesofmalta.com whether it was appropriate for Mr Dalli to appoint his daughter as his personal assistant at Mater Dei. He was also asked whether Mr Dalli's Bahamas venture was case closed following a meeting he had had with him a few weeks ago.

The Prime Minister skirted both questions, insisting that Mr Dalli's actions will be judged by the output of his work.

Dr Muscat said that Mr Dalli's first step was to take stock of the situation and will shortly release a report showing how the hospital system was rife with abuse and possibly theft.

He said it was Government's pledge to retain a free health service.

Asked about the latest arrival of irregular immigrants, Dr Muscat said contact was made yesterday with the Libyan authorities. He insisted that there was continuous communication with Libya and the EU on the matter bu did not elaborate.