Home Affairs Minister Manuel Malllia this morning underlined the importance of reform, rather than punishment, as the most effective way to rehabilitate offenders.

Speaking at an international conference on restorative justice being held in Malta by a number of NGOs and research institutes, Dr Mallia highlighted the importance of reform in correctional services and listed reforms in Malta.

He stressed, in particular, how the authorities were stamping out drugs behind bars.

"The message is clear, drugs will not be tolerated," he said.

He noted that efforts to stamp out this abuse had revealed the presence of drugs not only among inmates, but also among staff.

Further measures would be taken to stop abuse, he said. 

In his speech Dr Mallia said the reform of offenders needed to be carried out with motivation and education for those involved. 

He highlighted progress made in work and educational facilities provided for prisoners with more professional lecturers now providing a variety of lectures in mainstream subjects, arts and music. The prisoners now also had a football team involved in competitions.