The Education Ministry said the agreement signed on 17 July between the government and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) was well-received by educators.

The agreement comprised more than 70 measures to support the education system of the country. All teachers’ transfers have been finalised and all the school directors and college coordinators knew which teachers they would have this year. The new teachers have also already been informed about the induction course they are to follow and which has been set up for the first time this year, as agreed by the government and the MUT. The ministry said that where teachers were concerned, the plans have been carried out well and the scholastic year was ready to start, with the least obstacles possible.

The ministry criticised the Labour Party spokesperson for education, culture, and youths, Carmelo Abela, and said that the press release he issued two weeks prior to the start of the scholastic year was full of erroneous information to instil doubt and blackball the ministry.

The ministry also explained that with regard to peripatetic teachers, Mr Abela has been misinformed. The persons engaged as peripatetic teachers have been chosen and have already been informed about the transfers made in order for the vacant jobs to be filled.

As for the assistant heads, Mr Abela should have been already informed that their conditions have improved and the applications for these positions have been extended to other educators, including instructors.

Their previous positions will be replaced by new teachers, said the ministry.