Second statementing panel was shut down in December 2012

The Opposition's “continuous negativity knows no end” as their Education Spokesperson, George Pullicino, has wrongly claimed that the government shut down the second Statementing Moderating Panel, which deals with LSA provision to students.

In a statement, the Ministry for Education said the second statementing panel was set up on 1 February 2012 and removed by 15 December 2012, despite the waiting list reaching 1,173 during that year.

“This decision has let down countless students and families and this Government has worked hard to alleviate problems which resulted from that poor decision making,” the ministry said.

It said, that it was the ministry under the current administration that was reinstating the second panel in order to quicken the process.

“One hopes that the Opposition spokesperson checks his facts before dishing out such partisan nonsense,” the ministry added.

Pullicino, it went on to say, should also consult with his colleagues as his calls for a quicker process for recruitment of LSAs is in direct contrast with the Opposition's call to reduce and limit the recruitment of public officers.

“Irrespective of what the Opposition's actual position is, this Government is committed to support students and their families and continue investing in the provision of an LSA for those in need.”