FORMER first minister Mrs. Arlene Foster is to give evidence to the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) Inquiry after Easter.

Oral hearings into the scheme began in November last year under the Inquiry Chairman, the Rt Hon Sir Patrick Coghlin.

Mrs. Foster was Enterprise Minister at the time the RHI scheme was launched in November 2012. 

Some applicants were able to make money by burning more fuel than needed.

Mrs. Foster is due to give evidence on Thursday, April 12 and Friday, March 13. Her evidence will be preceded by that of DUP special adviser Andrew Crawford. 

The RHI Inquiry was established to investigate the non domestic renewable heat incentive scheme which was set up to assist in complying with obligations for renewable energy. The Northern Ireland scheme, which has similarities to a scheme in Great Britain, was devised and implemented by the then Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

The scheme’s purpose was to provide a financial incentive for businesses to move away from non-renewable sources of energy. However, how the scheme came about in the form in which it was adopted, how it has been operated and the possible financial consequences of the scheme have become the source of considerable public concern.