The Opposition this evening gave notice that it will challenge a ruling by Speaker Anglu Farrugia during which he ruled that a motion of censure can only be moved against ministers.

Independent MP Marlene Farrugia had originally moved a censure motion against the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri, which she later amended shifting the focus on the Prime Minister.

She amended the motion after the Clerk of the House told her that it could otherwise not be admissible.

Her amended motion reads that once a parliamentary committee completed its investigations into Mr Schembri's actions, the House would consider whether it should censure the prime minister on the basis of his confidence in Mr Schembri.

It also asks the prime minister to demand Mr Schembri's resignation.

Dr Farrugia said in his ruling that Parliament only had the right to censure ministers for the behaviour of employees for whom they were responsible.

In the case of Richard Cachia Caruana, he said, former minister Tonio Borg had raised this point but had not requested a ruling.

Moreover, the Speaker had the right not to accept motions within certain parametres and this had happened in the past.

Opposition deputy leader Mario de Marco gave notice that the Opposition would appeal the ruling.

According to the Standing Orders, a Speaker's ruling can be challenged following a motion that is debated and voted upon in Parliament. It is the practice that such debate is chaired by the deputy Speaker.

The Speaker's ruling may be read in the pdf link below.