Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today said that heads of state schools have had children asking them how much sick ‘leave’ they have left.

Speaking during a political activity in Paola, Dr Muscat said that absenteeism is more prevalent in state schools when compared to church and private schools, and the government will be tackling the problem very seriously.

“This is all part of our strategy against poverty. The best tool to fight poverty is education. These are small measures which makes a difference.”

He said the government will be coming down very hard on parents who encourage such abuse. He also warned doctors not to issue medical certificates frivolously.

Dr Muscat said that Maltese society is taking a step forward in allowing co-education in state schools.

“Private schools have been using this system for years, yet government schools segregate the sexes. This is no longer relevant in today’s society,” he said.

The pilot project on tablets will begin this year, and feedback from teachers will be taken onboard. He said the project is technologically significant, and shows the government wants to invest in the future.

On the Commission portfolio handed to former Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella, Dr Muscat said that Commission President-elect Jean-Claude Juncker was under intense pressure from 27 countries on how to distribute the portfolios, and he gave one of the biggest portfolios to Mr Vella.

He said Mr Vella has a difficult task on his hands, and he will not be there representing Malta, but Europe. He called on the Opposition to support Mr Vella’s appointment.

On the economy, Dr Muscat said that unemployment is at a record low of 5.7%. Genuine job-seekers will find work, and the government is going to tackle unemployment benefit abuse.

He implored the population to put politics aside next week and get behind the Maltese flag for the Independence Day celebrations. He said the celebrations are not there for just half the country.

He called the use of weak concrete at Mater Dei as criminal, and a tragedy could have happened at any moment. He said those who have visited the emergency department are blessed that this tragedy did not happen.

“We will leave no stone unturned in making sure that those responsible will be held to account,” he said.