The government is evaluating the possibility of introducing an insurance policy for all members of disciplinary forces, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said this evening.

Speaking during the Budget debate, he said the government will also be doubling the allowance received by members of the Armed Forces of Malta as from next year.

This, he said, was never increased by a cent under the previous government.

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

Referring to the recent court judgement saying that the Ombudsman had a right to investigate complaints by members of the Armed Foces, Mr Abela noted that when AFM officials went to the Ombudsman under the previous administration, they were told their complaint was not admissible as there were other procedures they had to follow.

In spite of this, the government took note of the judgement and would decide on whether to appeal or not at a later stage.

The government, he said, wanted to work hand in hand with the Office of the Ombudsman and come to an agreement if possible as it had no intention of removing any rights workers might have.

VISAS TO ALGERIANS

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