A total of 2,131 taxpayers have in the past two years enjoyed tax credits of up to €1,000 each on their spending to send their children to childcare centres, the Finance Ministry said today.

There were 913 beneficiaries in 2009 and 1,218 last year.

The ministry said this measure was aimed at enabling more women to return to work, while achieving a work-family balance.

Mothers who continue to work after having a baby also have their income tax waived for a year - a measure taken up by 3,020 women last year.

The measures have so far cost the state more than €7 million.

Childcare centres were opening in 2008 in Għargħur, Paola and Luqa. Other centres were opened in 2009 in Qawra and at Mcast, followed last year by new childcare centres in Cospicua, Siġġiewi and Pembroke.

Others will be opened this year in Floriana and Santa Venera.

Malta Enterprise also opened a childcare centre at Bulebel industrial estate and is opening others in Ħal Far, Corradino, Mosta and Xewkija.

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