The government is looking into schemes, including better childcare facilities, to encourage more women to join the army, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia said this morning.

Speaking during the passing out parade of 78 recruits, the minister said only four per cent of soldiers were women, five of whom were among this morning’s recruits.

The recruits also included shooter William Chetcuti, who formed part of the soldier athlete scheme, which allows recruit athletes to practice their sport for 20 hours each week and attend soldier training for the other 20 hours.

The recruits, who have been through 19 weeks of training, also included 12 Gozitans.

Dr Mallia said the government was thinking about extending night patrol operations in Gozo to allow more Gozitan soldiers to serve in Gozo.

He said that at the beginning of this legislature, €700,000 were invested in a night surveillance system and €52,000 in fire-fighting and communication equipment at the new hangar at Malta International Airport.

The minister said the government was analysing the prospects of further utilising EU funds to improve army equipment and facilities.