Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this morning that he saw no problem in retaining John Dalli as a management consultant at Mater Dei Hospital, once he had not been accused of anything in court.

Dr Muscat was replying to questions in the wake of yesterday's controversy in Parliament which led to an Opposition walk-out.

He insisted once more that he did not interfere in the police investigations of Mr Dalli, as had been claimed by Opposition leader Simon Busuttil.

Opposition MPs yesterday evening walked out of Parliament after the Speaker delivered a ruling finding leader Simon Busuttil prima facie in breach of privilege.

Dr Muscat had complained that the leader of the opposition accused him of interfering in police investigations involving Mr Dalli. He denied that that was the case and asked Dr Busuttil to substantiate his comment or withdraw it.

He said that for as long as Mr Dalli was not accused of anything, he did not see a problem in him retaining his position at Mater Dei Hospital.