Sinn Féin changes mind yet again
Posted By: January 05, 2017
Claire Simpson. Irish News. Belfast. Thursday, January 5, 2016
The cash-for-ash scandal could cost taxpayers £490 million
SINN Féin has again changed its mind on the structure it wants for an inquiry into the cash-for-ash scandal.
The party yesterday proposed several changes to its proposed inquiry into the disastrous Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, including the establishment of a panel with powers to subpoena documents.
Health minister Michelle O’Neill said the party wanted the investigation to be headed by a “judicial figure”, rather than its previous proposal for a judge from outside the north to be appointed by the Attorney General.
The party has already said it wanted the probe to have the power to compel witnesses – a statement it reiterated yesterday.
The RHI scheme could cost taxpayers up to £490 million.
Ms… O’Neill said Sinn Féin wanted the panel to investigate the “non-domestic” part of the scheme which allowed claimants to earn money by burning fuel.
“Last week Sinn Féin informed the DUP that the Terms of Reference for an independent investigation, as drafted by the Head of the Civil Service, were insufficient,” she said.
Under Sinn Féin’s new proposals the probe will be a “time-frame, independent investigation with powers to compel witnesses and subpoena documents”, Ms. O’Neill said.
“This investigation will be led by a judicial figure,” she said.
“We have given these Terms of Reference to the Head of the Civil Service and to the DUP.”
The party has frequently given mixed messages over the type of inquiry it wants.
Last week it said a public inquiry would take too long and cost too much. However earlier this week Sinn Féin’s national chairman Declan Kearney called for a public inquiry before his statement was withdrawn.
A party spokesman later said the inclusion of the word “public” had been a “typo”.
Just last month deputy leader Mary-Lou McDonald said a public inquiry should be held as a “matter of urgency”.
The cash-for-ash scandal could cost taxpayers £490 million
SINN Féin has again changed its mind on the structure it wants for an inquiry into the cash-for-ash scandal.
The party yesterday proposed several changes to its proposed inquiry into the disastrous Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, including the establishment of a panel with powers to subpoena documents.
Health minister Michelle O’Neill said the party wanted the investigation to be headed by a “judicial figure”, rather than its previous proposal for a judge from outside the north to be appointed by the Attorney General.
The party has already said it wanted the probe to have the power to compel witnesses – a statement it reiterated yesterday.
The RHI scheme could cost taxpayers up to £490 million.
Ms… O’Neill said Sinn Féin wanted the panel to investigate the “non-domestic” part of the scheme which allowed claimants to earn money by burning fuel.
“Last week Sinn Féin informed the DUP that the Terms of Reference for an independent investigation, as drafted by the Head of the Civil Service, were insufficient,” she said.
Under Sinn Féin’s new proposals the probe will be a “time-frame, independent investigation with powers to compel witnesses and subpoena documents”, Ms. O’Neill said.
“This investigation will be led by a judicial figure,” she said.
“We have given these Terms of Reference to the Head of the Civil Service and to the DUP.”
The party has frequently given mixed messages over the type of inquiry it wants.
Last week it said a public inquiry would take too long and cost too much. However earlier this week Sinn Féin’s national chairman Declan Kearney called for a public inquiry before his statement was withdrawn.
A party spokesman later said the inclusion of the word “public” had been a “typo”.
Just last month deputy leader Mary-Lou McDonald said a public inquiry should be held as a “matter of urgency”.
