PAC Calls On First Minister To Give Evidence Over RHI Scheme

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has invited First Minister Arlene Foster to give evidence over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

Former ministers Jonathan Bell and Sammy Wilson have also been called to appear before the PAC.

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

Sinn Féin MLA Michelle Gildernew said: "The ongoing revelations about the scandalous abuse by some applicants to the Renewable Heating Incentive, which has cost the public purse hundreds of millions of pounds, have to be fully investigated.

"We called for the ministers responsible for running RHI, Arlene Foster and Jonathon Bell, former finance minister Sammy Wilson, and Special Advisers, to give evidence at the committee about this fatally flawed scheme.

"At each meeting we are being given previously undisclosed information.

"There is a pressing need for all information relevant to RHI to be made available to the committee. This includes full disclosure of the beneficiaries of the scheme and private emails sent by whistleblowers and relevant ministers.

"I made it clear that if there wasn't full disclosure that there should be an independent inquiry with powers to call in ministers and SPADs who were responsible for this disaster."

(CD)