Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia on Monday took Opposition spokesman Robert Cutajar to task for having “ignored the benefits” of a Bill the government described as a “milestone for persons with disability”.

Instead, the MP criticised an administrative decision by Aġenzija Appoġġ with regard to the transfer of foster care team leader John Rolè, who had since been reinstated.

Speaking during the debate in second reading of the Bill amending the composition of government entities to include persons with disability, Mr Cutajar said Mr Rolè’s transfer was still shrouded in secrecy. Accusing the government of amateurism, he insisted Dr Farrugia “should come clean” and name and shame whoever had taken the transfer decision.

Dr Farrugia said he was disappointed to note Mr Cutajar had used the debate to attack the government on a matter that had long been settled. Mr Cutajar should look up what was said on the Times of Malta website on the subject, namely that it had been an Appoġġ decision and that the minister had reversed it. There was no political agenda behind the decision, which had nothing to do with the Bill in question.

He said it would have put his mind at rest had he known that even the Opposition spokesman was four square behind the government where the rights of persons with disability were concerned.

Very conveniently, Dr Farrugia said, Mr Cutajar had ignored that this year’s Budget emphasised the importance of including persons with disability in the community through a number of measures.

The disability pension would not be reduced if the beneficiary started working and his income surpassed the minimum wage, and employers who recruited would be exempt from tax.

The government was also ensuring that a 50-year-old law was being enforced so that two per cent of a workforce would consist of persons with disability.