Education Minister Evarist Bartolo admitted this evening that while a scheme where low-income parents get a grant as long as their children do not miss school had drastically cut truancy, it had also contributed to the spread of illnesses.

Replying to questions in Parliament by Nationalist MP Michael Gonzi, Mr Bartolo said the scheme had drastically reduced absenteeism in all areas, even where truancy was high. This was borne out by data.

However there was also anecdotal evidence that some parents had sent sick children to school, not just because they did not have doctors' certificates but, admittedly, because of financial reasons.

It was a matter which needed to be seen in more detail.

 

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