First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness recall Assembly over RHI scandal

THE ASSEMBLY is to be recalled for a special sitting next week at the request of the First Minister and deputy first ministers to address mounting questions over how DUP ministers addressed the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.

A special plenary session will held on Monday.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is to table a motion of no confidence in First Minister Arlene Foster.

“This will facilitate a full statement to be made by the first minister to members on the matters of public concern relating to RHI,” a joint statement from Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness said.

“RHI was discussed by the executive today and ministers around the table underlined the seriousness of the issues involved and the importance of restoring public confidence.

“It was also emphasised that detailed plans are being finalised to significantly reduce the projected losses in the years ahead.”

The projected losses over 20 years of the scheme were estimated to be in excess of £400 million.

MLAs will want to question First Minister Arlene Foster in detail about the RHI scheme.

She was the Enterprise Minister when the scheme was set up and she was also at the helm when a whistleblower raised concerns about the scheme and its potential for abuse.

The BBC Nolan Show today said senior sources told the programme that Arlene Foster “personally intervened” to keep the RHI scheme open against the advice of senior civil servants.

But the DUP has denied this.

The SDLP and Ulster Unionists have called on Arlene Foster to consider her position as First Minister in light of the mounting questions she faces over the RHI scandal.