The government is this year allocating an extra €41 million for education, with the sum rising to €477 million.

The incentives include the reduction of VAT from 18 per cent to five per cent on audio books and other books in electronic format, in an effort to encourage people to opt for paperless reading options.

New schools are being built in Rabat, Naxxar and Victoria.

Next year work will also start on two new schools in Dingli and Kirkop – all at an estimated expense of €22 million.

Families on low income will be given a supplement of €400 per child for up to three children and €200 from the fourth child on, as part of the fight against poverty.

About 22,000 children are expected to benefit from this incentive, and €8.5 million has been allocated. However, it comes with a condition: it is based on a 95 per cent school attendance rate.

Capital expenditure on the University of Malta will increase by 55 per cent, up from €4.5 million to €7 million. The UoM will increase its research activity by means of government and EU funds.

Students will receive a cost-of-living increase with their stipends, which they will receive pro-rata as of January 1. They will also receive additional bonuses pro rata. Students from low-income families and those with social needs will receive a supplementary payment.

The government is also planning incentive schemes to encourage the publication of books of Maltese literary, historical and artistic value written in Maltese.

It pledged to help the publishers of these books to promote their wares in local and international fairs.

Also, the applications of teachers who wish to go on sabbatical – another PL electoral promise – are estimated to start being processed in April.