Shamed Mepa director Ray Piscopo, who helped himself to an official car despite receiving an allowance to use his private one, earned €53,500 per year, The Sunday Times has learnt.

Mr Piscopo was forced to resign last week after a parliamentary question by Labour MP Leo Brincat alleged that a Mepa director was being paid a car allowance but still made used of an official car, even at weekends.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority said further investigations were being carried out to determine the extent of his car allowance.

Mepa did not say whether Mr Piscopo would be asked to pay back the allowance but said he was not entitled to it since he was using an official car.

Mr Piscopo has refused to comment on the matter. He reiterated this position yesterday.

Sources said he began using a Mepa vehicle several months ago when his own car broke down and he was given a special temporary arrangement until he effected repairs. However, the arrangement continued even after his car was back on the road.

Mr Piscopo, an engineer by profession, has been responsible for the Corporate Services Directorate since 2008 and was responsible for human resources and finances.

The Sunday Times asked Mepa whether Mr Piscopo was investigated or disciplined over any other allegations in the past year, but no reply was forthcoming.

When contacted, Mr Brincat, who asked PQs in both instances, pointed out that the case involving Mr Piscopo’s car was dealt with quickly, before the Prime Minister replied to the PQ.

“Meanwhile, the Prime Minister still has to react officially to my request for an independent inquiry into the allegation of undue pressures on members of the medical profession by a senior Mepa official,” Mr Brincat said.