The only way to get answers about the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal in with the Inquiries Act, according to the SDLP.

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

SDLP Finance Spokesperson Claire Hanna MLA is urging Sinn Féin to support a public inquiry conducted under the Inquiries Act of 2005.

Ms Hanna also highlighted that the investigation into the scandal currently proposed by Sinn Féin would require new law to be drafted to give it the power to compel witnesses and documents.

-- Advertisement --

She said: "For whatever reason Sinn Féin continues to resist this approach, with their latest proposal (of many) having no statutory basis. The powers Sinn Féin are proposing cannot simply be plucked from thin air and the only way to enact their strategy is by creating new law which DUP would probably try to veto anyway. This totally contradicts their claim that a Public Inquiry is the slower option considering non-Executive legislation can take years to pass.

"The public needs answers on RHI and an answer from Sinn Fein. Will they stop hiding behind a proposal that has no basis in law? Given the nature of this issue and the apparently unwillingness to accept responsibility, only a fully empowered public inquiry can get to the truth. The public demand more than a polite request for co-operation."

(CD)