The functions and powers of the Auditor General and the role of the NAO are defined by Section 108 of the Constitution of Malta and the Auditor General and National Audit Office Act of 1997. The Constitution and the Act empower the Auditor General to audit the accounts of all Departments and Offices of the Government of Malta, and of such public authorities or other bodies administering, holding, or using funds belonging directly or indirectly to the Government of Malta. The Act extends this mandate further to include the Performance audit of Central Government Departments and Offices and other public sector entities, as well as the audit of the operations of companies or other entities in which the Government of Malta owns not less than 51 per cent of the shares.