‘Nothing should restrict PAC in Renewable Heat Incentive scheme inquiry’ – Murphy
Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy, who is also chair of the Economy Committee, has called for nothing to get in the way of the Public Accounts Committee protecting and upholding public interest and for all those with information, including ministers who oversaw the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme, to come forward to the PAC.
Speaking today to Newry Times, Murphy said, “It is essential that the PAC is afforded every opportunity to establish all the details concerning the operation of RHI and particularly the specific reasons behind the spike in applications to this scheme which can only compound the financial challenges created by Tory cuts to our public finances.
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“Despite three open public evidence sessions with the two permanent secretaries in charge of DETI from the beginning in 2012, until the close of the RHI in 2016, there is still no transparent, comprehensive or satisfactory explanation as to what has gone so badly wrong.
“No political or commercial interests should be allowed to impede the PAC fulfilling its remit. It must have access to all the available evidence,” he insisted.
“That means there should be full disclosure of all beneficiaries from this scheme. Nothing, including conventions, should restrict the PAC in its responsibility to protect and uphold the public interest.
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Murphy added, “The ministers responsible for operating the RHI should now make themselves available to the PAC and provide whatever information they possess about this scheme.”
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