DUP's Actions Over RHI Scandal Are 'Not Acceptable' - Adams

The DUP's actions over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal are "not acceptable," according to Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

In his weekly column published in the Andersonstown News, Mr Adams confirmed deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness asked First Minister Arlene Foster to step aside while an investigation was carried out, however she refused.

Mr Adams wrote: "The public is right to be concerned with this scheme and the allegations surrounding the DUP's handling of it. The scheme was set up without costs controls and there were ample opportunities for such controls to be included throughout the life of the scheme. These opportunities were not taken."

Mr McGuinness said: "The RHI scandal is a massive waste of public funds and the issue will not go away.

"There is a need to restore public confidence in the Assembly and the political institutions.

"Sinn Féin will be bringing forward a motion in early January, which deals comprehensively with the substantive issues surrounding this debacle. The motion includes three key elements.

"First there needs to be a robust time-framed, transparent and independent investigation.

"Secondly we need proposals from the Finance Minister and the Economy Minister to reduce the losses to the public purse from this disastrous scheme.

"And thirdly we believe while this is going on that the First Minister should stand aside during this process."

The DUP said it was working on the legislation to deal with the overspend on the scheme, reducing the tariffs being paid to claimants, as well as introducing tiered payments to possibly reduce the overspend itself.

However, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said it still does not resolve the issue.

She said: "If this way of dealing with RHI is possible, why was it not pursued in 2015 when the scheme was closed? Instead, it appears those in charge have waited until public pressure has forced them to do this and bring the matter to a head.

"We still need an independent, judge-led, public inquiry to deal with the issues at the heart of this scandal. Possible legislation does not change that. This crisis will only be resolved by complete openness and transparency, which such an inquiry can provide."

(CD/LM)