The Family and Social Solidarity Ministry said yesterday it was absolutely untrue that, as claimed by Labour MP Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, there was anyone who had applied for children’s allowance before the closing date of 30 April who had not yet received it, provided they were entitled.

The Social Security Department had done its job well, the ministry said, and on 7 July all payments had been made to those who had applied in time and were entitled to them.

If Ms Coleiro Preca knew of anyone who qualified for the allowance, had applied for it in time but had not received it, she should inform the department, the ministry said.

Not only had all payments been made to those who had applied and were entitled to the allowance, but due to the efforts of the staff, payments were also being made to those who had applied late or who had not sent all the required information.

Ms Coleiro Preca showed she was not up-to-date regarding developments in the social security sector.

The pensions reform, which the Labour Party had wanted to freeze, had come into effect.

Another reform was in connection with invalidity pensions; a review of the social security legislation was being carried out and was already showing results.