Education Minister Evarist Bartolo will sue the PN media for libel over allegations that he had personally ordered the removal of stipends for sixth form ‘O’ Level students. Earlier this month, the ministry said that the circular issued in two sixth form schools was unauthorised. An investigation was launched.

Replying to questions by the Opposition in Parliament, Mr Bartolo said that this was an outright lie.

Earlier the minster said that a ministry consultant had been involved in the investigation. In a reaction, Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil asked the minister if this was a conflict of interest. Will the minister replace the said consultant?

Mr Bartolo replied that the Opposition Leader was “late as usual” as the investigation had already been concluded. He insisted that the investigation had been carried out in a professional and exemplary manner and challenged Dr Busuttil to say that he had personally given the order outside of parliament, so that he could sue him for libel. At this point Dr Busuttil said that it was Mr Bartolo who was late, as he had to revoke the decision after the students were informed. He asked whether the minister is politically responsble for what happens in the Education ministry.