The fact that the Saskatchewan cabinet minister responsible for the troubled Oyate safe house for teenage prostitutes got $8,000 worth of special media training to deal with questions about the facility is riling the opposition.

Politicians were exchanging barbs Wednesday after a Canadian Press report that said two consulting firms were paid $8,000 to work with Buckley Belanger, the man who's been at the receiving end of dozens of opposition and media questions about the Regina facility over the past year.

Oyate House was closed in the spring following reports of mismanagement, nepotism in hiring, lax financial controls and failure to serve the needs of  the children it was designed to help.

It's expected to open in 2007, but most of its responsibilities have been given to another social agency.

Belanger received the special help to handle radio and TV interviews about the controversy, which resulted in scathing reports from the provincial auditor and children's advocate.

Money could have been spent elsewhere: Merriman

On Wednesday, Saskatchewan Party MLA Ted Merriman said the money could have been better spent on the teenagers. He wondered why, after being in cabinet for seven years, Belanger would need special media training.

As well, Belanger's handling of the Oyate case has been a disaster, Merriman said.

"He's contradicted himself, and when he doesn't contradict himself his answers are incoherent," Merriman said. "Whoever ordered the training should ask for their money back."

Belanger replied by calling Merriman the worst critic he had ever known.

"All he does is rant and rave."

Belanger said it's not unusual for ministers to receive special media training. He noted that when he answers questions, he has a tendency to ramble.