Opposition MP Marthese Portelli yesterday lodged a breach-of-privilege complaint against Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi for having said that she had received payments for Wasteserv board meetings she had not attended.

She lodged the complaint after repeatedly challenging Mr Mizzi to substantiate his allegation or withdraw it.

Mr Mizzi said he would withdraw nothing.

She said he was obviously not in line with an answer given by Environment Minister Leo Brincat to a parliamentary question on the issue.

Later, Dr Toni Bezzina (PN) said he had been blocked by a One TV reporter and cameraman who did not allow him to enter the building and he had been forced to call the police.

The Prime Minister said the House Business Committee needed to discuss media access and regulate it through an agreement with all sides.

In another incident, Nationalist MP Kristy Debono was prevented from continuing her adjournment speech on local councils after the Speaker pointed out that this was against the Standing Orders because the Local Councils (Amendment) Bill was still on the agenda.

Government whip Godfrey Farrugia said since there was no prior agreement between the two sides, the Standing Orders had to be followed.