The improving state of the economy has led the government to spend more on initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for women, Lawrence Gonzi said.

The Prime Minister was addressing female PN candidates for the local elections at an activity in Safi on Tuesday night. The biggest investment to date, he said, was the government’s determination to continue to improve the education system and the environment within schools.

He said that in 2007, the government was spending Lm1,400 on every student. Dr Gonzi said results spoke for themselves. “In 1999, 43 per cent of students carried on with post secondary education, but now some 70 per cent are continuing to do so,” he said.

He also said that MCAST was playing a huge role in the advancement of young women. “When did we ever imagine that such a school could provide trained female technicians for huge companies such as Lufthansa Technik?” he asked.

Dr Gonzi said that when drafting pension reforms, the government kept mothers and families at the top of their priority list. He said that with every project and policy, the government always looked at the people’s needs, especially those of women, mothers, children and families. Other simpler initiatives, he said, were the creation and revamping of playing fields, green areas and gardens so children could play in a pleasant environment.

He concluded by saying that with a wider female participation in the world of work, Malta as a whole would benefit. As a result, he said, the government has put into practice several initiatives, such as lower income tax rates for those who use child care facilities and part time workers. Women re-entering the work sphere after five years will benefit from a Lm700 income tax rebate and spouses of the self-employed will pay less income tax. He also pointed out that some 21 per cent of PN candidates in the local elections were women.