Ministers Called To Answer Questions Over RHI Scheme

The Ministers involved in the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme in Northern Ireland are being called to make themselves available to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to provide information about the controversial project.

An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse over £400million.

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy said: "It is essential that the PAC is afforded every opportunity to establish all the details concerning the operation of RHI and particularly the specific reasons behind the spike in applications to this scheme which can only compound the financial challenges created by Tory cuts to our public finances.

"Despite three open public evidence sessions with the two permanent secretaries in charge of DETI from the beginning in 2012, until the close of the RHI in 2016, there is still no transparent, comprehensive or satisfactory explanation as to what has gone so badly wrong.


"No political or commercial interests should be allowed to impede the PAC fulfilling its remit. It must have access to all the available evidence. That means there should be full disclosure of all beneficiaries from this scheme.

"Nothing, including conventions, should restrict the PAC in its responsibility to protect and uphold the public interest."

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said: "This weekend further revelations regarding the RHI scandal have begun to seep out. Media stories linking recipients of the RHI scheme with people closely associated with the DUP have further raised public suspicion and concern about this £400 million scandal.

"Instead of a story about staggering incompetence, the perception is now growing that there may also have been something more sinister involved.

"As Arlene Foster returns from her visit to China, it is essential that she moves quickly to answer the many questions which have multiplied in her absence. This is the only way she will be able to dispel the growing perception around this scandal.

"The First Minister must not be allowed to deal with this scandal simply on her own terms and she must not be allowed to give answers only to the questions she deems relevant.

"Those with nothing to hide should have nothing to fear from full transparency."

(CD/MH)