The growth in public sector employment will cost taxpayers €750 each by the end of this legislature, the shadow minister for employment, Therese Comidi Cachia said today.

She said the increase in public sector employment under this government was costing €315 million by the end of the legislature. This, she said would see a family of four pay out €3,000 every year.

She was joined by PN deputy leader Mario de Marco who said the government had engaged 3,600 people since coming to power in 2013 over and above replacements for those who retired. In all, total employment exceeded 6,000.

Dr de Marco pointed out that these were not essential people such as teachers, doctors and nurses. The number of people employed were doing all sorts of jobs and many had been employed on a position of trust basis.

According to a parliamentary question last month,  those employed on position of trust included cleaners and even dog handlers. Dr de Marco said a review of this system of employment was required as it was being abused.

Giving further examples of public sector over-employment, Dr de Marco said the water services corporation had increased its workforce by 15 per cent.

Shadow health minister Claudette Buttigieg expressed concerns at the calibre of people being employed in top public sector posts.

She said the CEO of Mater Dei Hospital Ivan Falzon was under qualified to head the hospital.

She also questioned the decision to remove Dolores Gauci from her position as CEO of Mount Carmel Hospital, saying she was one of the most senior and experienced people in her field.

Ms Buttigieg also said she had been receiving complaints about a person recently employed in a senior position at the ambulance department. This person had been "bullying" other employees and was not qualified enough to fill the post.