The Speaker of the House of Representatives said that all his rulings are based on legal arguments and parliamentary precedents that explain why decisions are made.

Anglu Farrugia was reacting to recommendations made by the OECD as part of a two-year project in conjunction with the Office of the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life and the European Commission.

The report, a statement issued by the Speaker said, threw doubt on the impartiality of his office in the way it led the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

The Speaker said that he acts within the parameters of the Standards in Public Life Act which means that, when the law is restrictive, he is not at liberty to act.

He said that any decisions taken and rulings given are explained in detail and are all based on legal arguments and parliamentary precedents to explain why such a position was taken.

He said that there is always room for improvement, and said that where MPs see that action should be taken, they are free to put forward amendments before the House.