20/01/2017

Finance Minister Orders Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme

Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has moved to institute a public inquiry over the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

The scheme is expected to cost the public purse around £490million.

Ó Muilleoir said: "It is clear that, with time short until the Assembly dissolves, the only way to serve the public interest is for me as Finance Minister to move to institute a public inquiry immediately. No other type of investigation is now feasible given time pressures.

"I have now instructed officials to take the necessary steps to establish a public enquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the RHI scheme.

"I have received legal advice in regard to these matters. I will make a full statement to the Assembly next week."

(CD/JP)

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