Four of the five MCAST students involved in the recent bullying case have returned to college, but the fifth one is no longer attending college, Education Minister Louis Galea told Labour MP Carmelo Abela.

The four who have returned to college have appointments to see the college’s counsellors.

Dr Galea also said the college authorities have taken drastic steps with regard to the students who were involved and these have been given high academic and vocational targets. Their parents are also being involved and they are expected to collaborate with MCAST to ensure their children realise the seriousness of their actions and make up for it.

Single mothers

The number of single mothers who were receiving social assistance last year amounted to 1,879 and they were allocated Lm3.5 million among them, Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina told Labour MP Adrian Vassallo.

Drug charges

The number of people arraigned in court last year on drug possession charges amounted to 429 while 116 others were charged in relation to drug trafficking.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Tonio Borg was replying to Dr Vassallo.

Prisoners lose

remission

A total of 104 prisoners last year lost their remission, Dr Borg told Dr Vassallo.

Remission is lost when the prison regulations are infringed.