Mepa had no say at all in the appointment of the Environment Commissioner and was only informed that it was being set up next week after the Ombudsman informed auditor Joe Falzon.

Addressing a media briefing this morning, Mepa chief executive Ian Stafrace took umbrage at Mr Falzon’s comments that someone from Mepa should have informed him beforehand that his office would come to an end abruptly next week.

But Mepa, Dr Stafrace said, got to know of the decision only after the Ombudsman had informed Mr Falzon – so it could not have informed him.

He noted, that athough the legal notice that set up the new office under the ombudsman was published, the old article in the planning law that set up the auditor’s office has not been repealed. This meant that the office had not yet been officially abolished.

Dr Stafrace said he was informed of the development on Thursday and he proposed to the Ombudsman a transition period during which Mr Falzon would remain in office, a proposal the ombudsman seemed to welcome. Mr Falzon also knew that some form of transition was being discussed

He said that he should be having a meeting with Mr Falzon this week.