The government has denied claims that a resident who passed away at St Vincent de Paule home was buried without his next of kin being informed.

Family Minister Michael Farrugia, replying to a parliamentary questions, said proper procedure was followed, to the extent that a relative organised the funeral. The issue was raised by MPs Jason Azzopardi, Claudette Buttigieg and Paula Mifsud Bonnici.

The administration of the home in a statement said it was procedurally bound to inform the person indicated by the resident as next of kin.

The allegations made by the family were investigated and it resulted that the procedure was observed with the persons indicated as next of kin by the resident concerned being immediately informed.