Updated - Tempers rose in Parliament this evening as Nationalist MP Mario Galea backed by the Leader of the Opposition complained of vindictive transfers at St Vincent de Paul Home for the Elderly.
Transport Minister Joe Mizzi repeatedly asked the Speaker to suspend the sitting and to rule and 'name' the Leader of the Opposition, Simon Busuttil, who, he said, had attributed bad motives against Social Policy Minister Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca by claiming she was responsible for vindictive transfers when this was never proved. (Naming is a procedure which could lead to an MP being suspended from the House)
The Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mario de Marco said that the Opposition was requesting a ruling after the minister claimed Mr Galea was inciting.
The minister said she was also asking for a ruling on the adjectives used against her by Mr Galea, including the word 'deceitful'.
The minister said she had denied that there were vindictive transfers but a process of reform was underway at St Vincent de Paul Home.
Mr Galea insisted that vindictive transfers were taking place and said Mr iizzi could not stifle his voice or that of the Opposition.
The sitting was suspended at 6.20 p.m. The sitting resumed just after 9.30 p.m.
In his ruling, Mr Speaker Anglu Farrugia said the points at issue were the use of the words 'inciting' and 'deceitful' and that Dr Busuttil had blamed Ms Coleiro Preca for vindictive transfers.
Dr Farrugia noted that in a previous ruling, he had already ruled that the word tixwix was not parliamentary and should be deleted from the record. Similarly, the use of the word 'deceitful' was not proper for parliamentary words.
It was also improper to attribute personal blame for 'vindictive' transfers.
Dr Farrugia said common sense dictated that all the MPs should have explained their positions using language which was not offensive.
The use of the word tixwix (incitement) was offensive. To attribute vindictiveness and claim the minister was deceptive was also unacceptable in parliamentary language.
Referring to the call to 'name' the leader of the opposition, DrFarrugia said naming was only resorted to for gross disorder, ignoring the authority of the House or obstructing the Business of the House. This, therefore, was not a case of naming. However Dr Busuttil should be careful in his use of language or substantiate his claims.
The Chair however found a breach of privilege by Ms Coleiro Preca and Mr Galea and was asked them to withdraw their words.
Mr Galea said he was withdrawing the words which the Chair found objectionable but he stood by his political argument.
Ms Coleiro Preca also withdrew the use of the offending words and said that Mr Galea should inform her of any workers who felt they were victims of vindictive transfers because she felt that the Nationalist MP was misinformed.
The Speaker said he therefore considered the cases closed.