The Information Technology Ministry yesterday announced a scheme under which the government will be directly subsidising the purchase of new computers, giving back to those who buy a new computer 16 per cent of its cost price, including the keyboard, printer and mouse.

The scheme includes loans programmes by Bank of Valletta, HSBC and Lombard Bank, in order for the financing to amount to less than one euro a day.

All families may apply for one computer, in the government’s bid to ensure that everyone can join the Maltese information society. The scheme will run between 18 February and 30 May, and has a maximum subsidy of e186.40 (16 per cent of e1,165, though costlier equipment may be bought).

The subsidy covers the computer, keyboard, printer and mouse if bought together, and the purchase may be made from any recognised vendor, the subsidy being paid directly as a refund to the purchase.