There has been a government rethink over the proposed €30 increase in passport renewal fees between April and August.

Speaking during the debate in second reading on the Budgetary Measures Implementation Bill, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela announced that the renewal fee, which had been planned to go up from €70 to €100, would now be of €80.

He said the rise was necessary because many people left passport renewal to the last minute. The €10 increase would, hopefully, serve as a deterrent.

Mr Abela said 64 new correctional officers had been employed at the Corradino Correctional Facility.

The government was also investing in the armed forces, with the purchase of two new helicopters. Investment would be made in buildings at Hay Wharf for the berthing of patrol boats.

The process to acquire a new patrol boat was underway and an agreement had been reached with Ireland for the use of a decommissioned vessel that met Malta’s requirements.

The government had also invested in a number of new vehicles for the Civil Protection Department, he said, adding that plans were also in the pipeline for a new fire station and further training.

On the police force, he said it was important that the mistakes made by a few did not reflect on all of the rest.

He also urged people not to become unduly alarmed over the international situation.

The government was doing all it could to ensure Malta was safe. What had happened in other countries was perpetrated by their own citizens, he pointed out, appealing to the media to pass on information without causing alarm.