Committee is determined that inquiry will get to the bottom of the RHI scheme

The Public Accounts Committee has reiterated its determination to get to the bottom of the issues in its inquiry into the non-domestic renewable heat incentive scheme.

The Committee received a Report from the Comptroller and Auditor General on the scheme in July 2016 which established very serious concerns relating to its governance.

The investigations conducted by the PAC to date have borne out the alarming implications of the original C&AG report.

Chairperson of the Committee Robin Swann said: "The Public Accounts Committee is fully committed to upholding the highest standards of public accountability in the public interest.

"Our Committee has been instrumental in uncovering a number of serious errors in the way that this scheme was designed, implemented and overseen with a complete lack of control or understanding of the cost implications to the public purse. Not withstanding recent media commentary, we welcome the BBC programme which drew heavily on our work and would encourage them to share any new information.

"Our role as an oversight Committee is to consider accounts and reports on accounts laid before the Assembly (Standing Order 56) and to examine, retrospectively, value for money, governance and implementation of programmes overseen by the Department in question. It is also part of our role to make recommendations which we demand that the Department implements without delay.

"It is normal practice that Committee members do not comment on an ongoing inquiry. However, without prejudicing this investigation, as a Committee we have been shocked by the evidence we have seen and heard. Consistent with our obligations and responsibilities, the PAC recognises that the public interest demands maximum accountability."

ENDS