The House of Representatives this evening expressed its condolences to Nationalist MP Ryan Callus following the passing away last week of his mother Antoinette.

Godfrey Farrugia expressed condolences on behalf of the government MPs and Simon Busuttil paid tribute to Mrs Callus on behalf of the Opposition.

Dr Busuttil said that Mrs Callus had worked as a nurse and dedicated her life to the welfare of others, as well as her family.

Mr Callus thanked the House and highlighted the rare disease Schleroderma which his mother had suffered from. He said the disease affected the auto immune system and saw the body fighting itself. 

His mother, he said, had suffered severe Schleroderma. Some 80 patients suffered from this disease and the country and society needed to invest in helping these people, he said. Some patients could not even eat on their own. 

More research was needed into this disease, he said.

He thanked all those who had helped his mother, particularly the paramedical personnel.