UUP calls for transparency over RHI scheme solutions

Ulster Unionist Economy Spokesperson claims the Economy Minister has considered solutions to the RHI scandal since July

Ulster Unionist economy spokesperson says the economy minister Simon Hamilton has been considering solutions to the RHI scandal for 6 months. Steve Aiken says there was an assertaion in July by Mr Hamilton that he was 'Actively Considering options' to mitigate the overspend

Mr Aiken has called on the Minister to publish all the options that have been under  consideration by him, both then and now.  He has asked for any legal advice on the potential solutions to also be published.

Steve Aiken MLA highlighted an assertion by the Minister for the Economy six months ago, that he was ‘actively considering options’ to mitigate the overspend identified in the NI Audit Office report on the renewable Heat Incentive scandal.

Mr Aiken said : "On the 5 July 2016, the day the Northern Ireland Audit Office qualified the DETI accounts for 2015/16 because of the Renewable Heat Incentive overspend, Economy Minister Simon Hamilton issued a statement where he acknowledged the enormity of the situation.  He also promised that “we are already actively considering options as to how the costs of the scheme could be controlled in the future.  All options will be considered to determine whether future liabilities to the public purse can be minimised."

Mr Aiken called upon the minister to reveal any potential solution to the Cash for Ash scandal, whether past or present.