Censure motion: Mifsud Bonnici insists he will defend his record

Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici said today that he had worked like a dog in his years as minister and he would be defending his record in Parliament when an Opposition censure motion is debated at the end of the month.

Speaking at a press conference when he gave a round-up of the work of his ministry, Dr Mifsud Bonnici said he would respond to the criticism made against him 'at the opportune moment'.

He forcefully stressed, however, that he had worked to the best of his abilities and, ultimately, it would be the people who would judge him.

He also noted that the Opposition motion was not calling for his resignation.

When it was pointed out to him that PL officials had said that the motion would be amended, he replied that one had to see, but in politics some people said things which did not happen.

Dr Mifsud Bonnici gave his comments at Hal Ferħ, the former tourist complex where the Civil Protection Department is currently holding an earthquake response exercise.

He confirmed that four inmates at the Civil Prisons are on hunger strike but said he was not yet aware of their grievances.

They have not been taking food for just over 24 hours. 

In other points of his press conference, Dr Mifsud Bonnici said the government had continued to invest in the police force. There had been a significant investment in equipment including new cars, breathalyser kits, radios and a DNA machine.

He said that by the autumn the first applications for parole would be decided.

On fireworks, he said there was now more law enforcement and the regulations had been updated.

Also updated, he said, were the laws on child porn, soliciting, drunk driving and reparative justice among others.