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)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 November 2017
RHI Scheme: Independent Public Inquiry To Get Underway
The independent public inquiry into the botched green energy scheme is to get underway today, 07 November. Sir Patrick Coghlin, a retired appeal court judge, will open the inquiry into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
19 September 2017
Public Inquiry Into RHI Scheme Delayed
A public inquiry into a botched energy scheme has been delayed. Hearings into the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme were to start in October, however they will now commence on 07 November. An investigation by Spotlight revealed several errors in the scheme which will cost the public purse around £490million.
04 January 2017
RHI Scheme: Belfast City Council Passes Motion For Full Public Inquiry
Belfast City council has passed a motion for a full public inquiry into the controversial Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Independent unionist councillor Ruth Patterson proposed the motion. A total of 23 councillors voted in favour and 12 voted against.
27 April 2017
RHI Scheme: Preliminary Hearing To Take Place At Stormont
A preliminary hearing of the public inquiry into the Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI) scandal is to take place at Stormont. Chairman of the inquiry, retired judge Sir Patrick Coghlin, is expected to outline how the evidence is coming together. He may also announce how long the inquiry will take to carry out.
12 September 2024
Hilary Benn Announces Public Inquiry Into Pat Finucane Murder
Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, has announced a decision to establish an independent inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 into the murder of Patrick Finucane. The 39-year-old solicitor was shot dead at his home in front of his wife and children by loyalist paramilitaries in February 1989.