Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela today hit back at Shadow Home Affairs Minister Beppe Fenech Adami, saying that the government is actively investing in people.

He said the allowance for the Armed Forces of Malta has been more than doubled.

Such raises will also be given to the police, Mr Abela said.

The increase, he said, will leave soldiers from the entry rank to major with an additional €345 a year in their pockets.

He said the government is looking into the possibility of introducing an insurance policy for all members of disciplinary forces

While the previous government found enough money to give minister a €500 weekly raise, this government is investing in the AFM and Police Force.

€120 million will be invested in the AFM between 2013 and 2020, Mr Abela said.

There is a need to give the AFM a new vision, and for this purpose the government is working on a plan up until 2025.

More needs to be done when it comes to training, and work is being done in this regard, Mr Abela said.

Mr Abela thanked former Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia for his contribution to the country, and for the efforts that have yet to come.

The Home Affairs Minister said the government has every right to appeal the court ruling about the Ombudsman’s role in AFM promotions.

The government, Mr Abela said, wants to work in tandem with the Ombudsman and come to an agreement if possible as it had no intention of removing any rights workers might have.

On visas granted to Algerians through the Maltese consulate, Mr Abela said visa applications  go through the Schengen system and all countries in the system approve the application before a visa was issued.