GRTU protests end of computer subsidy scheme

The GRTU has complained to Finance Minister Tonio Fenech, that the 16% rebate and bank finance support scheme on the purchase of new computers has been stopped.

“This scheme has been very successful and GRTU is indeed very pleased with the take up,” the GRTU said in its NewsString.

“There is however still much scope for it to continue to operate as our ratios of computer home penetration is still low.”

The GRTU complained that the scheme took too long to really get off the ground. It said that directly and through its members, the majority of computer retail outlets, it campaigned extensively to get it moving.

“We also mentioned (to the minister) that we feel this scheme should actually be represented as a best practice now that the uptake has become so extensive. It is indeed sad, and lacks logical sense.”

The GRTU said it was demanding the extension of the scheme to the end of July to cover the Trade Fair period, “but it makes even more sense if the scheme were to be extended to end of October to cover the pre and early schools starting period”.

It said its main recommendation was that the scheme be extended until such time as the computer household takeup ratios are at par with the targets of the Lisbon Agenda.