Recent statistics released about the Employment and Training Corporation job centre, with so many thousands of job enquiries and job placements done, makes interesting reading. A truly good job carried out by all the team at ETC, and to the valuable contribution given to the public at large.

There is, however, an area where more Maltese can find work. I am referring to the hospitality industry – the restaurants, cafeterias and the hotels. I do notice a lot of foreigners working there. Nothing against EU citizens working among us, although some are not. Again, some non-EU workers are specialised employees, such as in other types of cuisine.

We are to be careful, though, on the implications of engaging foreign workers. The question arises – are these workers properly engaged with workbooks, and are they paying tax and national insurance contributions?

I am saying this because, during my house visits in the Gzira and Msida areas, I met a good number of foreign families who are living in these areas, and surely they must work somewhere. Some are here with their families, renting out places; others live with friends, and send money home. Possibly, they were brought here to do jobs in big projects which have since been completed. Alternative work may have been found or provided. One group of foreigners even found its way into a government housing apartment in San Gwann, courtesy of a tenant who is now living elsewhere, while keeping her identity card on the said apartment.

I do point out these things as, in the future, if these foreigners are here to stay, then in the future the government has to provide them with pensions, health care, free medicines, and all benefits relevant to the Maltese.

At least, such foreigners should come into the mainstream taxation system, thus being able to apply for benefits and contribute towards the general benefit of society. Malta cannot afford to be generous with foreigners and be petty with Maltese.

At times, some Maltese people feel frustrated that due to accidents and health situations, they cannot contribute their national insurance. Not because they want to avoid it, but due to circumstances. Therefore no social assistance is given, as no scheme, out of the many available fits into the situation. Here a closer look at cases, with an evaluation board, could be set up to discuss such situations.

As another year closes in on us, this government must be lauded for the high number of people in employment, without indulging into government mass recruitment as happened during previous administrations. The ever-increasing number of pensioners have been cared for too.

Will the oil price hold, or decrease, thus easing many a worry, and enabling the government to willingly start up new ventures? Did anybody consider what this government would have done, had the oil price been stable, or remained at 12 dollars per barrel as was the case when the Labour Party was in government? It would have made wonders. Keeping finances in check with such an oil price was really a feat.

I am sure that the majority of Maltese wish, in the new year, to continue with the Gonzi government, knowing where it is going. There may be a pothole or two, but the PN has a much better vision. An alternative Labour government still has to plan its course ahead, and it has no vision.

The Nationalists are miles ahead in their vision for the future, ventures and projects, with the Labour party lagging far behind.

This is to wish all the readers a very Happy Christmas. We will, once again, have no Christmas Eve TV broadcast by the Prime Minister, informing us of increases in prices. We look forward to a good Christmas with our families and loved ones.

Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP