Three hundred and eight persons applied in the recent call for soldiers’ recruitment: 227 to be engaged as regular soldiers and 31 as bandsmen or skilled soldiers. But only 198 passed the physical exam, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Labour MP Chris Agius.

As for the written exam, 129 sat for it while 34 others were exempted because they had O-Level qualifications. Those who applied to play in the band were also exempted from the written exam.

Dr Gonzi added there are plans to recruit a further 100 soldiers.

Born to unmarried mothers

A total of 812 babies were born last year to single mothers, Health Minister Louis Deguara told Labour MP Adrian Vassallo.

290 were born to mothers aged between 20 and 24 years, 214 were born to mothers aged 15 to 19 while 179 were born to mothers aged between 25 and 29. Four babies were born to mothers aged less than 15.

Harassment allegations about school staff

There were six cases of alleged harassment by members of staff in state schools this scholastic year, Education Minister Louis Galea told Labour MP Carmelo Abela.