Schools across Malta have been plagued by truancy and unfit parents who do not give priority to the education of their children, according to Cospicua primary school head Marion Falzon Ghio.

Speaking at a public consultation held by the government this evening, Ms Falzon Ghio said schools   faced a constant problem of pupil absenteeism. This, she said, was  down to parents not prioritising education.

She said schools were constantly being faced with parents who abused of social benefits but did not provide their children with basic necessities, such as hygiene.

"We have pupils who have not had a uniform for several months. Their parents are on benefits but have money for tattoos, cigarettes and hair and nail extensions. Many pupils have had recurring head lice infestations for more than three months," she said, adding that enforcement against abusive parents was not effective.

The vociferous school head insisted that pupils not given basic necessities were more likely to avoid attending school.

Another factor leading to increased truancy was the lack of monitoring of doctors’ certificates. She said that she had seen students sick certificates which covered different periods on the same sheet.

Absenteeism, she said, was also tied to the number of social workers, of which there were not enough.

There are parents who are living with partners and often with the child's other parent but they still receive single parent benefits.

On unfit parents, Ms Falzon Ghio said she knew of a number of cases where parents who failed to provide for their children but were not fined by the authorities as they could not afford to pay up.

This, she said, was made worse when it later transpired that a number of these parents were not really eligible for the benefits.

"There are parents who are living with partners and often with the child's other parent but they still receive single parent benefits. This type of abuse is not being regulated," she said.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo acknowledged the problem of parental benefits abuse and reassured the gathering that the government would be tackling the issue.

"We are aware that their are problems with the system and will be looking into ways to improve this to protect children and ensure that they are given a fair chance," he said.