The Opposition had agreed to the legislative amendments for the removal of the Mepa auditor officer to be replaced by an Environment Commissioner within the Office of the Ombudsman, the Environment Ministry said.

In a statement this evening, the ministry said that the changes had been carried out for Mepa to be scrutinised more effectively by Parliament, as the Office of the Ombudsman was not answerable to the government but to Parliament.

For partisan aims, the Opposition was trying to create doubts reflecting its lack of responsibility.

The ministry reiterated its appreciation to the work carried out by Mr Falzon in his eight years as auditors and noted that his term of office had been extended repeatedly.

But the legislative changes which had had the unanimous consent of Parliament and were designed to strengthen the scrutiny of the authority envisaged the removal of the Mepa auditor officer and the appointment of an environment commissioner.

The commissioner had to be appointed by agreement between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

But if such agreement was not reached, the Ombudsman had to identify and appoint a suitable person for the position.

The ministry said the Ombudsman was informed that the discussions between the Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition were not conclusive and that the decision according to law fell within his responsibility.

Since government did not receive any notification from the Office of the Ombudsman on the appointment of a commissioner, it was not in a position to notify Mr Falzon.

The ministry reiterated that Mepa will be working with Mr Falzon and the Office of the Ombudsman to ensure a smooth transition once a Commissioner for the Environment is appointed.