The Government believes that investment in culture and heritage not only safeguards our national identity and preserves history and traditions, but also leads to more unity.

To strengthen the cultural and creative sector, new schemes will be introduced through the National Council of Arts, including an apprenticeship scheme and a programme for regional cultural cooperation.

Caruana said that work on the restoration of the Grand Master’s Palace had continued this year and, when the project is completed, this will cost more than €30 million.

Work on the rehabilitation of Villa Guardamangia had also continued this year, while preparatory work for the Maltese Biennale, to be held between March and May 2024, is gathering pace.

The Valletta Design Cluster will launch a new programme next year for designers and researchers to continue exploring innovative solutions for urban challenges. A call for tenders for the preservation of Għar Gerduf in Gozo has been issued, while another geological study is being carried out on the Ċittadella.

Caruana said that work will continue on the restoration of churches, and the Cottonera and Santa Margherita Lines. Work on the Vendomme Battery in Marsaxlokk will start.

Sport

The Minister said that Malta had achieved great success at the Small Nations Games because it had invested heavily in sport, both in athletes and also infrastructure. Such an investment will continue, Caruana said.

He said that in previous budgets the Government had lowered VAT on sport activities, including gym memberships, fitness centres and football nurseries. Income tax rates for players, coaches and athletes had been decreased to 7.5%, and this will now be extended to other people employed in sports jobs.

The first phase of the Marsascala waterpolo pitch will start next year, while preparatory work for the building of an indoor shooting range will start.

Work on a racetrack will also continue, the Minister said.

A national sport tribunal will be set up to resolve disputes related to sport.