Doreen Camilleri was removed from her post as National Coordinator for the European Union Programme Agency (EUPA), this newsroom has learnt.

Camilleri is being provisionally replaced by Mr Joseph Schembri, who is employed at the Ministry of Education.

Sources have confirmed that her dismissal came at the end of her twelve-month probation period as the Ministry refused to renew the contract.

Speaking to The Malta Independent on the reasons which led to her dismissal, Minister Evarist Bartolo refused to explain and said he could not comment as “there might be legal issues” involved.

Mr Bartolo confirmed that the Ministry was looking into the case amid serious allegations.

“Her removal from that post was made in the interest of good governance”, the Minister added.

Sources say that her exit is welcomed by most of EUPA employees.

The European Union Programme Agency was set up to provide support for Maltese individuals and entities for EU funding under various programmes provided by the European Commission.

This newsroom sent questions to the Ministry asking for an explanation on why she was fired. A spokesperson only replied: “I can confirm that her employment was not confirmed after the probationary period, in accordance with the management’s right at law.”