The government intends to keep its commitment to extend childcare services to the night, to help parents who worked at that time, the prime minister said.

Speaking at the opening of a childcare centre in Mosta, he said 16,000 children have been enjoying free childcare since its introduction by the government in April 2014.

21,000 parents have benefited as a result.

Dr Muscat inaugurated the Lil’ Ville childcare centre in Mosta,  headed by Christabelle Borg of V&C Investments.

The childcare centre is based on the idea of a a small village where the children get to know different characters.

Dr Muscat observed that the number of childcare centres has risen from 69 in 2014 to 129 now.

Since April 2014 the government has spent €63 million on the service, but this was useful investment both for the children and especially for mothers, who could now join the labour force, Dr Muscat said.  

He said the government intended to extend childcare facilities to the night, to help parents who worked at nght.  

Education Minster Evarist Bartolo underlined the importance of quality childcare services, which laid the foundations for the children's education and character development.