The SDLP is calling on First Minister Arlene Foster to appear before the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions over her involvement in the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal.

Party Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said that if she is unwilling to provide answers, her position as First Minister will become untenable.

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

Mr Eastwood said: "Having listened to her interview with the BBC, she has totally failed to re-establish any confidence in the wake of this scandal.

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"The tone of the First Minister's interview was particularly striking.

"Her interview was seeped with the arrogant belief that she has nothing to answer for. Her position seems to be that everyone was to blame except her.

"That attitude was vividly revealed when she didn’t even show the decency of offering the whistleblower a proper apology.

"Further revelations surrounding the connection between the DUP, its special advisers and the beneficiaries of this scheme, and in particular the spike in applications for the scheme in 2015, were very notably left unanswered by Arlene Foster.

"I would wager the £400 million that very few of the viewing public will have been reassured or satisfied with her answers or her attitude.

"I am now calling for the Public Accounts Committee to convene an urgent meeting which compels Arlene Foster to answer all relevant questions."

(CD)