Live-in carers: half their salary paid

Government will be launching a pilot project through which up to 167 pensioners can employ a full-time or part-time professional carer and have 50% of the minimum wage refunded by government. This is estimated to cost less than a third of what government forks out to keep pensioners in a care home. This scheme will be capped at €1 million and is only applicable to pensioners on the waiting list for elderly care homes.

Moreover, government will be merging two existent schemes; the Carers pension and Social Assistance for Carers, into one scheme.

Health: IVF parents get special leave

In a move which could be met by resistance from employers, government is proposing an introduction of leave from work for couples undergoing IVF treatment.

New paediatric emergency at Mater Dei

A new block at Mater Dei will add 68 new beds to the national hospital. A public private partnership will be set up to reduce waiting lists for people who require hip and knee replacements. Karen Grech Hospital in Pieta will be re-developed into a hospital with 320 beds for elderly people, while St Luke’s Hospital will be developed into a hospital for medical tourists. This project will create 1,000 new jobs. A public private partnership for a health centre in Kirkop is also being proposed.

Medicines at your doorstep

In line with Labour’s electoral pledge, a pilot project will be launched to deliver medicines directly to people’s homes. Noting that upon taking office in 2013, some 200 medicines were out of stock, the finance minister said the list has been reduced to five. Moreover, new medicines to treat diabetes will be added to the government’s formulary list.

Innovative ‘hub’ for disabled people

A ‘hub’ will be set up specifically for people with a disability. The complex will include private residences for disabled people, a hostel, a respite centre, shops, a pool, a day centre, and an underground parking space.

As announced in the previous Budget speech, the fine for employers who don’t comply with legislation in connection with the employment of disabled people will double, reaching €1,600. The fines will be allocated to the Lino Spiteri Foundation that aims to integrate disabled people into the workplace.

To further incentivise employers to recruit disabled people, the government will once again offer them a tax deduction – capped at €4,500 - equivalent to the employee’s wage. Employers will also be eligible for a grant equivalent to 25% of the disabled employee’s wage, along with a weekly €125 subsidy over three years.

Tax exemptions for Community Chest Fund donators

With effect from year of assessment 2015, 100% of donations of at least €2,000 to the Malta Community Chest Fund will be allowed as a deduction against the taxable profits of companies.