Officers unable to complete their service due to injuries suffered in the line of duty will receive full pensions, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said today.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Abela said those who did not spend the full 25 years in the disciplined forces would be treated "fairly". The same would go for members of the Civil Protection Department and correctional officers.

Officers' pensions for those who suffered debilitating injuries used to be provided at a fraction of the full amount as were those offered to the loved ones of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Mr Abela said full pensions would also be offered to the spouses, partners or offspring of officers who died while serving.

He said he expects the changes to come into effect in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the government was evaluating the possibility of a State insurance for the disciplined forces.

Mr Abela said an expression of interest to offer health and even possibly life insurance had had been made. The government was now evaluating these and Mr Abela was in talks with the Finance Ministry to find ways to bank roll this initiative.