Having schoolchildren present a doctor’s note if they miss just one school day, as announced by the Social Solidarity Minister on Tuesday, is not set in stone, according to the Education Minister.

“School has not started. I can tell you that before school starts we will have an attendance policy declared openly and everything will become more clear,” said Education Minister Evarist Bartolo.

Asked whether the measure announced by Minister Michael Farrugia was therefore still up for discussion, Mr Bartolo replied: “Not only it is open for discussion, we want policies that are effective.”

Mr Bartolo said the Social Solidarity Minister spoke about the measure because he “was worried” and “was just being earnest” and “wanted to make sure that benefit is not abused”. “Obviously, he doesn’t want the social benefit allowance to be abused but we can reassure him that, from our end, we can provide him with enough evidence so that, yes, it will not be abused,” Mr Bartolo said.

The Malta Union of Teachers yesterday criticised Dr Farrugia's announcement. “Without such a structure, situations will be created whereby children are sent to school even if they are unwell in order for the parents to avoid the additional costs or hassle of procuring a medical certificate,” the union said.

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