Five of L-Istrina's beneficiaries have not yet enrolled with the Commissioner of Voluntary Organisations but are expected to comply by September when they receive their portion of the sum collected.

"We spoke about this with each organisation before they were chosen, so it's not an issue. They have ample time," PBS chairman Clare Thake Vassallo said, downplaying media reports that the organisations might not be eligible to receive the donations.

The voluntary organisations in question are: Ejjew Għandi Children's Homes, Dar Sagra Familja, Casa Leone XXIII, Holy Family Homes for the Elderlyand Parr. Jesus Crucificado S M Chaparron.

Since these are Church organisations they require permission from the Curia to enrol with the commissioner. However, the Curia still needs to decide whether the organisations should enrol individually or on the Curia's behalf.

When contacted, the Curia said it was in talks with the Office of the Prime Minister about the issue and further comment would not be prudent.

The largest L-Istrina beneficiary, the Malta Community Chest Fund, is also not enrolled but that is because it is partly controlled by the government and, therefore, does not qualify as a voluntary organisation.

Commissioner Kenneth Wain said the MCCF required a clearance letter from the Social Policy Ministry in accordance to the law. But he seemed to have been left in the dark with regard to the other organisations.

"I don't know what is going on because I have not received an update from PBS.

"If the organisations aren't on my list, and they receive the money, it will be a breach of the law," he said.

He said the issue was brought to the attention of PBS and the organisations in question some time ago but he had still not received word on what will be done.

"I can only speculate why but I do not know. My job as commissioner is to ensure the law is observed by all without any discrimination and I shall take any action it empowers me with if it is breached in any way," he concluded.

cperegin@timesofmalta.com