The Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI) is in "disarray" over the renewables obligations order, according to Chair of the Assembly Enterprise Committee MLA Patsy McGlone.

Mr McGlone made the claim over legislation designed to close funding for renewable energy projects.

He said: "It's clear, however, that DETI is in a state of disarray over the renewables obligations order. As Chair of the Enterprise Committee, I have consistently argued for a decoupling of wind and non-wind renewable energy projects to strike a balance between the needs of the sector and an unnecessary burden on electricity consumers. The Department resisted that approach only to U-Turn with no explanation.

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"The 'back of a cigarette packet' approach to legal advice we've seen from the Department is a particular cause for concern.

"It's important for consumers that the Committee scrutinises this legislation thoroughly and that the Minister makes himself and his officials available for questioning."