Consultancies at the Office of the Prime Minister are costing the country more than €144,000 a year, according to the Prime Minister’s reply to a parliamentary question by Labour MP Noel Farrugia yesterday.

University Rector Juanito Camilleri is receiving €51,104 a year for his consultancy on topics related to higher education, research, innovation and information technology.

Dr Gonzi added that Prof. Camilleri is also a consultant on national socio-economic development and planning, the attraction of investment by foreign companies and assists the government in attaining the aims of the Lisbon Treaty and the National Reform Programme.

Other consultants to the OPM include Mr Ranier Fsadni on Mediterranean and maritime affairs, for €11,650 a year; and Mr Alfred Cachia on the organisation and coordination of state visits and national events, for an annual fee of €6,500.

In the Human Resources Office in Public Administration there is Mr Anthony Vella, consulting on human resources and people management affairs, including industrial and employment relations.

Mr Vella receives €23,905 a year, a €3,500 car allowance, free telephone, mobile phone facilities and internet connection.

In the Management Efficiency Unit there is Mr Paul Debattista, Managing Consultant, with €36,153 a year and allowances of €3,634 for transport, €2,213 for fuel, €279 for a mobile phone and a performance bonus of up to 10 per cent of his salary.

Dr Gonzi said Prof. Ian Refalo is a legal consultant to the Malta Broadcasting Authority, for €5,823 a year.