RHI Report

Oral Answers to Questions — The Executive Office – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:30 pm on 2 March 2020.

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Photo of Andrew Muir Andrew Muir Alliance 2:30, 2 March 2020

T4. Mr Muir asked the First Minister and deputy First Minister what plans they have to address the Assembly about any issues that arise from the renewable heat incentive (RHI) report, which is to be published on Friday 13 March. (AQT 164/17-22)

Photo of Arlene Foster Arlene Foster DUP

As I understand it, the report will go to the Department of Finance on the Thursday or Friday, I am not sure which. I understand that Mr Justice Coghlin will make an announcement on the afternoon of 13 March. We will then consider that report, and I further understand that the Minister of Finance will come to this place and answer any questions in relation to that.

Photo of Andrew Muir Andrew Muir Alliance

Does the First Minister not agree that it is important that the first comments and response from the leaders of our Government will be in this place and that they will be able to answer questions from MLAs in this Chamber?

Photo of Arlene Foster Arlene Foster DUP

As the Member knows, it is a public inquiry entirely independent of government. The Finance Minister in post at the time gave the terms of reference and asked for the inquiry. Therefore, it is important that he is given his place. The report will come back to the Department of Finance. I am sure that there will be ample opportunity for me, the deputy First Minister and, indeed, anybody else to answer questions in relation to the inquiry, as it is quite a long report, I understand, although I have no knowledge of what will come forward in relation to a wide range of issues. I am sure that we will be before this House to answer questions in relation to that matter.