John Dalli's report about Mater Dei Hospital reflected his position and not the government's, Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia said this afternoon.

Replying to questions, the minister said the government would be setting up a working group of medical and non-medical people to analyse the outcome.

The government, he said, had no position on the report. A position would be taken after the working group submitted its own report.

Referring to the MUMN's strong criticism this morning and its industrial action, Dr Farrugia said the union had every right to take its own position.

"They may not wish to talk to me or the prime minister, but they are invited to form part of the working group nonetheless," he said. "We are not on a collision course with any of the trade unions.".

Reacting to industrial action by nurses which forced the cancellation of some operations, the minister said he had directed the hospital's nurse management to increase the complement of surgical nurses. He was confident that there would be a quick solution to the problem.

Dr Farrugia said the Dalli report was not actually commissioned by the government. Mr Dalli had indicated his wish to write the report and the government accommodated him.

The minister reiterated a statement he made in parliament yesterday that two committees will be set up to investigate claims in the Dalli report on financial mismanagement including procurement. The findings would be handed to the Attorney General, the Auditor General and the police.