Updated 6.45 p.m.

The Ministry of Education insisted this evening that the education sector would continue to be given the attention it deserved, despite the additional responsibilities given to minister Dolores Cristina during last week's Cabinet reshuffle.

The minister last week was given additional responsibilities for social policy.

Replying to a statement issued in the morning by the Malta Union of Teachers, the ministry denied that its meetings with the union had become infrequent, but said that it was normal practice that no meetings were held while industrial action was in force, as was currently the case.

The ministry also pointed out that the MUT over the past few days turned down invitations for two meetings with the Joint Negotiating Team of the Ministry of Finance.

The union officials were abroad on Friday, when the first meeting was scheduled, and turned down an invitation for a meeting last Monday.

The ministry also denied MUT claims that correspondence was not answered and decisions were not being taken - pointing out reforms in the education system over the past few months.

The MUT in its statement had expressed concern that the addition of more responsibilities within the ministerial portfolio of Dolores Cristina may have negative consequences on the Ministry of Education.

The MUT said the education sector already had long-standing problems which never seemed to be solved.

Talks between the union, the ministry and its directorates were becoming rare when they should be a regular feature for the smooth running of the sector. Even correspondence from the union was not answered.

The union said the creation of the Colleges system had brought about major change and many did not know where they were heading. Heads of school did not know who they were answerable to, and many teachers felt frustrated because of added responsibilities, for which they were not paid.

The union appealed to the Prime Minister to reconsider his decision to impose more responsibility on the minister.